Phalaenopsis celebensis explained

Phalaenopsis celebensis is a species of miniature epiphytic orchid endemic to the island Sulawesi of Indonesia.[1] The specific epithet celebensis refers to another name of the island Celebes and indicates this species origin on this island.[2]

Description

The 17 cm long and 6 cm wide, oblong-obovate leaves with a dark green ground colour are speckled with silverly dots, which are arranged in horizontal stripes. The inflorescences are densely flowered racemes, bearing white flowers with central brown suffusions on the petals. This colouration is not present on the sepals, but the base of the labellum also bears brown stripes. The dorsal sepal is revolute, i.e. it bends backwards. The lateral sepals bend inwards.[3]

Conservation

This species is protected under the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.[4] Endemic species of Sulawesi easily go extinct, as habitat destruction in favour of housing areas, plantations, roads or illegal logging occurs.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Phalaenopsis celebensis H.R.Sweet | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. Powo.science.kew.org. 17 February 2022.
  2. "Celebes". Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House.
  3. Christenson, E. A. (2001). Phalaenopsis: a monograph. Timber Press (OR).
  4. Web site: Phalaenopsis. Cites.org. 23 February 2022.
  5. Widjaja, E., & Pratama, B. (2013). Flora Diversity Loss in Bioregion Sulawesi. In Proceeding. International Conference on Forest and Biodiversity. Manado Forestry Research Institute.