| Spathoglottis arunachalensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Spathoglottis |
| Species: | S. arunachalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Spathoglottis arunachalensis Tsering & K.Prasad | |
Spathoglottis arunachalensis is a species of Critically endangered orchid found in India. It is also named as the lost spathoglottis. [1] [2] [3]
This orchid is a terrestrial herb with 2 to 4 leaves. The inflorescence is 20 to 30 cm long and raceme. The flowers are yellow in color and the stalk is pale greenish-yellow. The petals are 10 to 11 mm long and rounded at apex. The long lip of the flower is 7.5 to 8 mm. It resembles Spathoglottis ixioides but can be differentiated by longer inflorescence, smaller flowers and the presence of hairs in the inner surface of the sepals along with other characteristics. [2]
This orchid was found inside Sessa Orchid Sanctuary in 2016 in Arunachal Pradesh and formally described in 2020. It is known to occur only in the sanctuary.
This species was named after the state of Arunachal Pradesh where it was discovered.
This species flowers between September and October. [2]
In 2016, a population of 200 individuals were seen. However in 2020 survey this species was never seen and its habitat was destructed due to the construction of Trans-Arunachal Highway. Fearing it is lost, the species was given its common name The Lost Spathoglottis and the authorities at The Orchid Research Centre at Tipi announced a 10,000 rupees cash award for anyone who can find the species. [1] [4] [5]
Habitat loss due to road construction, shifting agriculture, logging are some of the threats for this species. [1]
