Phalaenopsis mirabilis explained

Phalaenopsis mirabilis is a species of orchid native to Vietnam and Thailand.^[1] The specific epithet mirabilis means wonderful, marvelous, or extraordinary.^[2]

Description

This species is a miniature, warm to cool-growing branch and canopy epiphyte. It has a short stem, which is enclosed in leaf sheaths. The leaves are oval-elliptic and unequally bilobed at the apex. 0.7 cm wide flowers arise from pendent to erect, 8-10 cm long, few to several flowered inflorescences.^[3] Flowering occurs from September to October.

Ecology

This species occurs in primary and old secondary, dry, evergreen, broad-leaved, lowland and montane forests at elevations of 680-1300 m above sea level. It is commonly present along stream valleys.

Taxonomy

Within the subgenus Parishianae it is placed in the same clade as species of section Aphyllae. It appears to be closely related to Phalaenopsis pulcherrima.^[4] Two other analyses suggest a close relationship to Phalaenopsis deliciosa.^{[5] [6]}

Conservation

It is very rare and has only been recorded in few locations. Its estimated IUCN conservation status is data deficient (DD).^[7] International trade is regulated through the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Phalaenopsis mirabilis (Seidenf.) Schuit. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. powo.science.kew.org. 12 March 2022.
2. Web site: mirabilis . . Latin dictionaries . Latinitium . March 11, 2022.
3. Web site: Phalaenopsis mirabilis (Seidenf.) Schuit. 2007 SUBGENUS Parishinae SECTION Deliciosae . . Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia . March 12, 2022.
4. Deng, H., Zhang, G. Q., Liu, Z. J., & Wang, Y. (2015). A new species and a new combination of Phalaenopsis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae): evidence from morphological and DNA analysis. Phytotaxa, 238(3), 243-254.
5. Li, M. H., Gruss, O., & Liu, Z. J. (2016). Nomenclature changes in Phalaenopsis subgen. Hygrochilus (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Vandeae) based on DNA evidence. Phytotaxa, 275(1), 55-61.
6. Hidayat, T., & Pancoro, A. (2019). Ulasan kajian filogenetika molekuler dan peranannya dalam menyediakan informasi dasar untuk meningkatkan kualitas sumber genetik anggrek.
7. Averyanov, L. V., Truong, B. V., Maisak, T. V., Luu, H. T., Nguyen, K. S., Dinh, Q. D., ... & Le, H. S. (2018). New orchids (Orchidaceae: Cymbidieae and Vandeae) in the flora of Vietnam. Taiwania, 63(2), 119.
8. Web site: Phalaenopsis. CITES.