Chiloschista pulchella (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) new orchid species from Lao PDR

• Main Authors: Leonid V. Averyanov, Khang Sinh Nguyeh, Tatiana V. Maisak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Taiwan University 2018-11-01
• Series: Taiwania
• Subjects: Laos; Orchids; Plant diversity; Plant taxonomy; Limestone endemism; Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area
• Online Access: http://tai2.ntu.edu.tw/taiwania/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1581

The new species, Chiloschista pulchella (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) was discovered in Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area, Khammoune Province of the central Laos. The paper provides detailed description and illustration of this species, which is identified as a local endemic of karstic rocky limestone of the northern part of the protected area. It differs from all known congeners in the thin lip, median lip lobe dissected into two small subulate lobules, as well as in large purple blotches on the lip side-lobes never found in other species of this genus. The newly discovered plant represents interest for cultivation as an ornamental plant and needs protection in its natural habitats.