TNBTS: Two new orchid species identified on Mount Semeru

Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority (TNBTS) has recorded two new orchids on Mount Semeru as species Anoectochilus papuanus and Aconthophippium bicolor after conducting a thorough identification process.

TNBTS Forest Ecosystem Management Coordinator Toni Artaka in Malang, East Java, said Anoectochilus papuanus was discovered in 2022 and Aconthophippium bicolor in 2023 on the southern slope of Mount Semeru at an elevation of about 800-1,100 metres above sea level.

‘From discovery to manuscript submission takes about one to two years, after that the scientific publication process takes almost two years. The discovery of the two orchid species is a new record for Java and Indonesia,’ Toni said.

He revealed that observations show Anoectochilus papuanus has leaf veins about 2-5 centimetres long, with a flower height of about 12 centimetres.

Meanwhile, Aconthophippium bicolor has a height of about 60 centimetres, counted from the base to the tip of the leaf, and has two green leaves that remain year-round.

‘All bulbs reach up to 20 centimetres in length and grow in clumps. The flowers have a diameter of up to four centimetres, are kettle-shaped, and are bright red with pale yellow,’ Toni Artaka said.

Anoectochilus papuanus is recorded to be distributed from Papua to the Solomon Islands. Aconthophippium bicolor is known to be distributed in India and Sri Lanka.

The identifications also state that the two new orchid species are quite rare because they are relatively difficult to locate in their natural habitat. However, a more specific and official conservation status still needs to be confirmed further with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

To date, the two species found in the Mount Semeru area still do not have local names.

‘Globally Anoectochilus papuanus is known within Jewel Orchids group, whereas Aconthophippium bicolor belongs to the Jug Orchids group,’ he said.