Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis

Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis is a species of orchid endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia.[1] The specific epithet mentawaiensis refers to the Mentawai islands of West Sumatra.

Entire plant exhibiting a pendent habitus and a long inflorescence.

Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis
flower detail
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Phalaenopsis
Species:
P. mentawaiensis
Binomial name
Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis
O.Gruss
distribution of Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis
Synonyms
  • Phalaenopsis violacea var. mentawei

Description

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]

Ecology

This species occurs on tall trees in elevations of 0-100 m above sea level.[2]

Taxonomy

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.

Conservation

International trade is regulated through the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.[5]

References
  1. "Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis O.Gruss | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". powo.science.kew.org. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  2. "Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis O.Gruss 2014". Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  3. Christenson, Eric A. (2001). Phalaenopsis : a monograph. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 164. ISBN 1604691719.
  4. Tsai, C. C., Sheue, C. R., Chen, C. H., & Chou, C. H. (2010). Phylogenetics and biogeography of the Phalaenopsis violacea (Orchidaceae) species complex based on nuclear and plastid DNA. Journal of Plant Biology, 53(6), 453-460.
  5. "Phalaenopsis". CITES.
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