Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis is a species of orchid endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia.[1] The specific epithet mentawaiensis refers to the Mentawai islands of West Sumatra.
This species is a small-sized, hot-growing epiphyte with 15–50 cm long, inclined to erect, branched or unbranched inflorescences. They produce slightly fragrant flowers of similar floral fragrance to Phalaenopsis violacea.[2] The flowers are larger and more full in shape, which approach those of Phalaenopsis bellina. Some forms have green tipped sepals and petals.[3]
This species occurs on tall trees in elevations of 0–100 m above sea level.
This species was formerly identified as Phalaenopsis violacea var. mentawai. It was separated from Phalaenopsis violacea in 2014 by Olaf Gruss.
The genetic evidence allows a distinction of Phalaenopsis violacea and Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis. However, it does not support a distinction of Phalaenopsis violacea and Phalaenopsis bellina.[4] All three taxa were formerly included in Phalaenopsis violacea sensu lato.
International trade is regulated through the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.[5]