Rare orchid found in Irian

Rare orchid found in Irian

NABIRE, Irian Jaya: Researchers have found a species of orchid
which they believe to be the world's most rare, Antara reposted.

The orchid is the shape of a shoe and is predominantly brown
and yellow, members of the Irian Jaya chapter of the Indonesian
Association of Orchids said.

Chapter Secretary Cessy Manuputty declined to disclose the
exact location where the orchid, whose Latin name is
Paphiopedilum Praestans, was found, for fears of attracting
unscrupulous collectors.

Cessy said that researchers are now working on the possibility
of farming the orchid species because they could potentially
become a major income earner for people in the Paniai regency.

The association is already working on developing farms to grow
several other kinds of orchids, including Dendrobium
Phalaenopisis, Lasianthera and Antennatum in Wamena, Jayawijaya
regency.

Cessy said there are at least 500 different orchid species
found in Irian Jaya alone. (emb)