Eulophia stenopetala explained

Eulophia stenopetala is a species of orchid endemic to Bhutan.[1] The only material on this species from Bhutan is the holotype specimen collected by William Griffith in Bhutan in 1838 and resides at the Kew Herbarium with catalogue number K000852991.[2] Another specimen without any information on its location is also available at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center with catalogue number U.1466607.[3] The plant is currently considered extinct as numerous attempts to find it in the type locality failed.[4]

Etymology

The epithet "stenopetala" was derived from Greek meaning narrow petals.[5]

Description

This is a terrestrial orchid which grows on dry hills at around 1800m. It grows to 30-50cm in height. Pseudobulbs are irregular and the flowering scape is erect and ridged with clasping sheaths. Clasping sheaths are distant and ovate-lanceolate in shape. Two leaves present and they are linear in shape. Flowers are purple with darker purple veins. Special character if this species is the club-shaped spur of the flower.

Type status

The type locality of this plant is near Thinleygang in Punakha District.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Yangzom . Rinchen . Long . David . Plants Endemic to Bhutan Himalaya . 11 November 2015 . National Biodiversity Centre . Bhutan . 978-99936-763-5-5 .
  2. Web site: Occurrence Detail 912644588 . www.gbif.org . 24 May 2020 . en.
  3. Web site: Occurrence Detail 2515629039 . www.gbif.org . en.
  4. Book: Biodiversity Statistics of Bhutan 2017 A Preliminary Baseline . 22 May 2019 . National Biodiversity Centre . Thimphu.
  5. Book: Pearce . N. R . Cribb . P.J . Flora of Bhutan : including a record of plants from Sikkim and Darjeeling = b́rug gi rzswa shiṅ sna tshogs. Vol. 3. Pt. 3, The orchids of Bhutan . 2002 . Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh . 1872291198 . 251–252.