Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis X.H.Jin & S.Y.Qin, 2024

Qin, Shiyu, Wang, Hanchen, Wang, Yajun, Ma, Chongbo, Li, Zan, Yang, Boyun & Jin, Xiaohua, 2024, Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis (Orchidaceae, Vandeae), a new species from Yunnan, China, PhytoKeys 237, pp. 153-160 : 153

Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis X.H.Jin & S.Y.Qin sp. nov.

Figs 2 , 3 吉氏蝴蝶兰

Type.

China. Yunnan, Wenshan Ctiy , Xichou County, alt. 1496 m, 11 Apr 2023, Xiaohua Jin & Shiyu Qin 40050 (holotype, PE!) .

Diagnosis.

Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis is similar to P. wilsonii , but differs from it by having a bifurcated yellow, fleshy anterior callus, lateral lobes with large calli and flipping outward (Table 1 ).

Description.

Epiphytic plants. Roots fleshy, developing from the base or lower parts of the stem, elongated, flattened, densely verrucose and prostrate along trunks. Stem very short, covered by tubular sheath at base. Leaves unseen. Inflorescence developing from the base of stem, suberect or arching, ca. 4.5 cm long, unbranched, with 3 laxly arranged flowers. Floral bracts ovate-triangular, 4-5 mm long. Flowers white with pale pink rib or white, 3-4 cm in diameter. Dorsal sepal broadly elliptic or spoon-shaped, ca. 2 × 1 cm, with semi-transparent veins abaxially; lateral sepals elliptic, acute at apex, slightly curved toward labellum, lilac spots at the apex in the dorsal, ca.1.8-2.0 × 0.9-1.1 cm, obtuse and notched at base. Petals spathulate, ca. 1.8-2.0 × 0.9-1.1cm, apex obtuse. Labellum three-lobed, clawed at the base, ca. 1-2 mm long; lateral lobes of labellum erect, purple, 0.5 cm long, flipping outward, adaxially center with a big callus; mid-lobe of labellum obcordate, ca. 1.3-1.5 × 0.9-1.1 cm, deep purple, with white stripes at the center, base with a yellow fleshy protuberant anterior callus; anterior callus deeply lobed at apex. Column subparallel to midlobe of labellum, lavender, ca. 0.6 cm long, with triangular wings; pollinarium yellow.

Etymology.

The epithet Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis was designated in honor of the Chinese botanist Zhanhuo Tsi.

Distribution and habitat.

Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis is currently known only from the type locality in Xichou, Yunnan, China. It is epiphytic on trunks and twigs at elevations 1400-1500 m in evergreen broad-leaved forests.

Phenology.

Flowering in March and April.

Conservation status.

Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis grows in evergreen broad-leaf forests in Xichou County Yunnan Province, China. One subpopulation of about 10 individuals was discovered during our fieldwork. The habitat has been severely fragmented due to the development of agriculture. During our survey in nearby forests, we did not find any additional subpopulation of the new species. According to IUCN criteria v15.1 (IUCN 2022), we putatively assessed this new species as Critically Endangered CR C2a(i).

Figures

Figure 2. Flowers of Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis X. H. Jin & S. Y. Qin, sp. nov. A front view of flower (1) rear view of flower (2) B column and lip; lateral view of column and lip, appendage and lateral lobes (1), front view of lateral lobes (2), lateral view of lateral lobes and mid-lobe (3) C petal, sepal and lip, lip (1), dorsal sepal (2), petal (3.4), lateral sepals (5.6). Photographed by Xiaohua Jin.

Figure 3. Habitat and plants of Phalaenopsis zhanhuoensis X. H. Jin & S. Y. Qin, sp. nov. A front view B roots C lateral view. Photographed by Xiaohua Jin.