Data from: Preliminary molecular phylogenetics of Sobralia and relatives (Orchidaceae: Sobralieae)

With over 200 species, the orchid tribe Sobralieae is a major constituent
of the Neotropical flora. As currently circumscribed, the tribe includes
four genera: Elleanthus, Epilyna, Sertifera, and Sobralia. Most species of
these four genera typically produce long, cane-like stems but differ
drastically in flower size and inflorescence structure. DNA sequence data
support the monophyly of Elleanthus, Epilyna, and Sertifera but not
Sobralia, which is a polyphyletic assemblage traditionally placed together
due to relatively large flower size. Details of inflorescence structure
provide characters that can easily distinguish the different clades of
Sobralia. The misleading characteristic of flower size is probably due to
at least several shifts in pollination syndrome within the tribe. With few
exceptions, species of Sobralia predominantly offer no reward and are
pollinated by bees. Elleanthus and Sertifera are small-flowered and mostly
pollinated by hummingbirds with legitimate rewards. Nothing is known of
pollination in Epilyna. Understanding the evolution of shifts in
pollination syndrome will require more empirical observations of
pollination within Sobralieae. In addition, increased taxon sampling and
improved phylogenetic resolution are needed before generic realignments
are made.