Phalaenopsis zhejiangensis explained

Phalaenopsis zhejiangensis, also known as 象鼻兰 (xiàng bí lán) in Chinese, is a species of orchid native to Thailand and Vietnam.^[1] It is firmly established to be within the genus Phalaenopsis.^[2] Its extraordinary flowers are white with purple transverse bands on sepals and petals and with purple lip markings. It is a typical epiphytic orchid. It is found at elevations of 300 to 900 m.^[3] The specific epithet zhejiangensis refers to this species origin in the Chinese province of Zhejiang. It is closely related to Phalaenopsis wilsonii.

Conservation

The IUCN has not assessed this species' conservation status. It is however protected under the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.^[4] It is a rare and endangered plant with extremely small populations.^[5] It is threatened with extinction as a result of habitat loss. Artificial means of propagation were investigated as measures of conservation, and an efficient protocol for large-scale propagation was established.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Phalaenopsis zhejiangensis (Z.H.Tsi) Schuit. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. powo.science.kew.org. 18 February 2022.
2. Yang, L., Wu, Q., Yang, M., Zhang, D., Dong, S., & Cheng, J. (2021). The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the endemic and rare orchid Nothodoritis zhejiangensis (Orchidaceae) in China. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 6(10), 2931-2932.
3. Wu, Z.Y., Raven, P.H. & Hong, D.Y. 2009 Flora of China Vol. 25 Orchidaceae Science Press, Beijing, and Missouri Botanical Garden Press St. Louis, MO. 446
4. Web site: Phalaenopsis. CITES.
5. Jiang, M., Zhu, Y., Wu, Q., & Zhang, H. (2021). Complete chloroplast genome of a rare and endangered plant species Phalaenopsis zhejiangensis: genomic features and phylogenetic relationship within Orchidaceae. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 6(10), 2872-2879.
6. Zeng, S. J., Chen, Z. L., Wu, K. L., Zhang, J. X., Bai, C. K., da Silva, J. A. T., & Duan, J. (2011). Asymbiotic seed germination, induction of calli and protocorm-like bodies, and in vitro seedling development of the rare and endangered Nothodoritis zhejiangensis Chinese orchid. HortScience, 46(3), 460-465.