Rare orchid discovered in Quang Tri

In a research program on flora diversity and herbal resources in Quang Tri province, researchers from Mientrung Institute for Scientific Research (MISR) and Quang Tri Provincial Forest Protection Department found a rare orchid with no leaves in Ru Linh Forest , Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province. It is called yellow climbing orchid.

This orchid vine has scientific name Erythrorchis ochobiensis (Hayata) Garay in the orchid family (Orchidaceae)

This type of orchid is characterized by underground roots, saprophytes and no leaves. Stem of the orchid is thin and segmented with leaves deformed into scales. Its flowers grow in  a club-shaped cluster and its fruits have elongated shape and the seeds are coated with hairs and large wings allowing them to be easily carried by the wind.

So far, globally only three orchid species in that genus have been found in India, Indochina and tropical forests from Asia to Australia. Particularly, two species including Erythrorchis altissima (Blume) Blume and  Erythrorchis ochobiensis (Hayata) Garay were discovered in Vietnam.

Especially, Erythrorchis ochobiensis was found by Professor Averyanov  in the provinces of Quang Binh, Ninh Thuan and in Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri.

According to the MISR 's experts, the discovery of the rare orchid with the unique characteristics in Ru Linh forest showed that this is an orchid species with valuable gene resources highlighting the need for further research and specific conservation in the coming time.