Scientists working with the conservation group WWF have discovered stunning orchid species in the forests of Papua New Guinea. They say eight are definitely new species, and a further 20-odd may prove to be new to science as well.
The discoveries include the succulent bloom of Cadetia kutubu, named after Lake Kutubu in its home region.
Papua New Guinea is incredibly rich in orchids. Of some 25,000 species known worldwide, 3,000 come from PNG.
This delicate star-like specimen, a new and as yet un-named species of Taeniophyllum, adds one more to the list.
This new find is a member of the Dendrobium family (D. cuthbertsonii), most of which are epiphytic, living on trees rather than on the ground.
Breeders have created many articial varieties of Dendrobium, including kimilsungia, named after the former North Korean leader.
The colours are gorgeous, the structure awesome; did the best Venetian glass-blowers ever conjure anything as delicate as Dendrobium spectabile?
The name says it all.
The orchid family boasts many of the most outrageously showy blooms in the plant kingdom; and Bulbophyllum masdevalliaceum has all the family traits.
More than 1,800 Bulbophyllum species have been described worldwide, but PNG is their "evolutionary homeland", containing one third of known species.
As well as orchids such as this un-named Cadetia species, new mammals, fish, and insects turn up regularly in the region.
But many species have probably been wiped out by deforestation and human encroachment before they could be described.
WWF and its partners are working with the PNG authorities to protect important conservation areas.
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/sci_nat_orchid_spectacular/html/8.stm
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