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Taiwania 65(2): 1‒ , 2020
DOI: 10.6165/tai.2020.65.
357
New and noteworthy orchids (Orchidaceae) discovered in Langbiang
Plateau, southern Vietnam 1
Tian-Chuan HSU1,*, Cheng-Wei CHEN2, Hsin-Chieh HUNG3, Nguyen Khanh Trinh TRAM4,
Quang Cuong TRUONG5, Hong Truong LUU6, and Chia-Wei LI7,8,*
1. Botanical Garden Division, Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
2. Independent researcher, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
3. Dr. Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center.
4. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
5. Research center of Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Lac Duong, Lam Dong, Vietnam.
6. Southern Institute of Ecology & Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
7. Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
8. Bioresource Conservation Research Center, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
*Corresponding authors’ email: T.C. Hsu: lecanorchis@gmail.com; C.W. Li: cwli@life.nthu.edu.tw
(Manuscript received 26 December 2019; Accepted 8 April 2020; Online published April 2020)
ABSTRACT: Recent field expeditions in Langbiang Plateau of southern Vietnam resulted in new data for the orchid flora of
Vietnam. Two new species (Nervilia pubilabia and Panisea sagittata), two new national records (Cheirostylis tortilacinia and
Goodyera reticulata) and the rediscovery of a supposedly extinct species (Liparis nana) are reported, and background data about
their morphology, biogeography, ecology, conservation and taxonomy are also provided.
KEY WORDS: Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Indochina, new records, new species, rediscovered species, Orchidaceae, taxonomy.
INTRODUCTION
Langbiang Plateau, also known as Da Lat Plateau or
Lam Vien Plateau, is located at the southern end of
Truong Son (Annamite mountain range) in southern
Vietnam (Fig. 1). This mountainous region is famous for
its mild and consistent climate and has long been
recognized as a biodiversity hotspot of the country. In
2002, Bidoup-Nui Ba National Parks was established to
conserve its vulnerable ecosystems. In 2015, this region
was further recognized as “the Langbiang Biosphere
Reserve” by UNESCO due to its rich and unique
biodiversity. To date, new findings of various groups of
organisms from this region are continuously being
published (e.g., lichens, Joshi et al., 2015; liverworts,
Pócs et al., 2019; ferns, Chen et al., 2019; flowering
plants, Luu et al., 2018; insects, Takaoka et al., 2015;
lizards, Nazarov et al., 2012; snakes, Nguyen et al.,
2019).
Toward a better understanding to its flora, the
“Botanical survey in Langbiang Plateau, Vietnam”
project was launched in 2018 as a collaboration between
Vietnam and Taiwan. Based on the preliminary findings
of the resulting field expeditions, here we present new
taxonomic and biogeographic data in Orchidaceae, the
largest vascular plant family of the country (Averyanov
et al., 2003). Two new species (Nervilia pubilabia T.C.
Hsu, C.W. Chen & H.T. Luu and Panisea sagittata T.C.
Hsu, H.C. Hung & H.T. Luu) are herein described and
illustrated. Two new records (Cheirostylis tortilacinia
C.S. Leou and Goodyera reticulata (Blume) Blume) and
the rediscovery of Liparis nana Rolfe, a poorly known
and supposedly extinct species, are also reported with
discussion of their diagnoses and taxonomic affinities.
These new findings continue to reveal the astonishing
biodiversity of Langbiang Plateau. Unfortunately, many
primary habitats and native species, especially those
located outside the protected area, are still under threat
of logging, expansion of coffee plantations and
commercial collection, and conservation strategies are
thus urgently needed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Voucher specimens were collected during 2014–
2019 from Langbiang Plateau of southern Vietnam,
covering the northern part of Lam Dong Province and
the western corner of Khanh Hoa Province (Fig. 1).
Flowering specimens were dissected and photographed,
and the descriptions were prepared based exclusively on
measurements of fresh materials. Some additional
flowers and inflorescences were also fixed and stored in
60–65% ethanol to keep their original structure, and
partial fragments were separately stored within silica gel
for genetic studies. The main set of voucher specimens
was deposited in the herbarium of Southern Institute of
Ecology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
(SGN), and duplicates, whenever available, were
deposited in the herbarium of Taiwan Forestry Research
Institute (TAIF). Specimen identification was mainly
Taiwania Vol. 65, No. 2
358
Fig. 1. Map of Lang Biang Plateau and known localities of the studied taxa: Cheirostylis tortilacinia (1), Goodyera reticulata (2), Liparis
nana (3), N. pubilabia (4) and Panisea sagittata (5).
based on the modern floristic studies of Seidenfaden
(1992) and Averyanov (2008; 2010; 2011b; 2013) plus
new taxonomic data published in recent years.
Conservation status of the studied taxa were evaluated
based on the latest guidelines available on the IUCN
website (IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee,
2019), and we used GeoCAT (Bachman et al., 2011) to
help assess the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and the Area
of Occupancy (AOO). The studied taxa are listed below
in alphabetical order. Terminology used in
morphological descriptions generally follows Beentie
(2016) and Averyanov (2008).
TAXONOMIC TREATMENT
Cheirostylis tortilacinia C.S. Leou, Quart. J. Exp. Forest.
4: 72, f. 1–2 (1990); Leou, Fl. Taiwan 5: 802 (2000);
Chen et al., Fl. China 25: 59 (2009); Lin et al., Taiwania
61: 87 (2016). Type: TAIWAN. Nantou County: Hoshe,
ca. 1000 m, C.S. Leou 4143 (holotype: NTUF, not found).
Fig. 2, A–F
Distribution: Previously known from China
(Hainan, see Huang et al., 2014) and Taiwan (Chiayi,
Nantou and Taichung); newly recorded from Vietnam
(Lam Dong).
Habitat and phenology: In Vietnam, this species
was found as a lithophyte growing on silicate rocks
under primary broadleaved forest in a damp valley at an
elevation of ca. 1200 m. Flowering was observed in late
January.
Conservation status: In Vietnam, only one location
with ca. 10 mature individuals was observed. More data
are needed for the precise evaluation of its distribution
and population size in Vietnam, and this species is thus
considered as Data Deficient (DD) for now.
Studied specimens: VIETNAM. Lam Dong Province: Lam
Ha District, Nam Ban Protection Forest, 1200 m, 27 January 2019, Hsu
11247 (SGN). CHINA. Hainan Province: Baisha Li Autonomous
County, Mt. Yingge, 800–1000 m, 9 February 2011, Hsu 3625 (TAIF-
474906). TAIWAN. Chiayi County: Shihcho to Shihtzulu, 1300–1600
m, 30 March 2012, Hsu 5542 (TAIF-391915). Nantou County: Hoshe,
ca. 600 m, 7 January 1991, Su 4143 (HAST-104744); Shenmu Village
trail, 1200 m, 6 January 2007, Lu 12971 (HAST-119117); Shenmu
Logging Road, 1500 m, 23 January 2007, Hsu 700 (TAIF-286753);
Shenmutsun, 1200 m, 17 January 2013, Shen s.n. (TAI-282764).
Taichung City: Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area, ca. 900
m, 17 February 2008, Hsu 1227 (TAIF-303718).
Note: According to the protologue, the holotype of
2020 Hsu et al.: New orchids of southern Vietnam
359
Cheirostylis tortilacinia was deposited in the herbarium
of Department of Forestry, National Taiwan University
(herbarium code: NTUF) (Leou, 1990). However,
neither the holotype nor any of the paratypes cited in the
protologue could currently (November 2019) be located
in NTUF or any other herbaria in Taiwan. Fortunately,
the detailed description and illustrations presented in the
protologue are sufficient for species identification. This
species could be distinguished from the other 16 known
Cheirostylis species in Vietnam (Averyanov, 2008; 2010;
Averyanov et al., 2015) by the combination of ascending
to erect stems, ovate to ovate-deltoid, acute, uniformly
dark green or dark reddish-green leaves, 1–5 cm long
peduncles, densely glandular-pilose ovaries and sepals,
ventrally distinctly saccate perianth tube, obliquely
spatulate petals, and lip epichile lobes fringed with 3–5
sometimes twisted segments. The flowers of C.
tortilacinia roughly resemble those of C. chinensis Rolfe,
but the vegetative parts are quite distinct, as C. chinensis
has basally creeping stems and grayish green leaves with
dark green venation.
Goodyera reticulata (Blume) Blume, Coll. Orchid. 35, t.
9b (1858); Blume, Flora Javae et Insularum Adjacentium,
Nova Series: t. 26, f. 1 (1858); Smith, Die Orchideen von
Java, Figuren-Atlas: f. 92 (1908–1914); Comber, Orch.
Java: 30, f. (1990). Basionym: Neottia reticulata Blume,
Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind.: 409 (1825). Type: INDONESIA.
Java, Mt. Gede, C. L. Blume s.n. (holotype: L-0061428
image!). Fig. 2, G–J.
Distribution: Indonesia (Borneo, Java and Lesser
Sunda Islands); newly recorded from Vietnam (Lam
Dong).
Habitat and phenology: In Vietnam, this species
was found growing under primary broadleaved forest
along a stream at an elevation of ca. 1750 m. Flowering
was observed in October.
Conservation status: In Vietnam, only one location
with ca. 5 mature individuals was observed within a
protected area. More data are needed for the precise
evaluation of its distribution and population size in
Vietnam, and this species is thus considered as Data
Deficient (DD) for now.
Studied specimens: VIETNAM. Lam Dong Province: Lac
Duong District, Dung K'No Commune, Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park,
Cong Troi Station, 1750 m, 17 October 2019, Hsu 12050 (SGN).
INDONESIA. Java, Cianjur Regency, Cibodas, 1200–1400 m, 30
January 2010, Hsu 2507 (TAIF-505040).
Note: The somewhat unexpected discovery of this
Malesian species in southern Vietnam also represents its
first record in Indochina. Among the Goodyera species
recorded in Vietnam (Averyanov, 2008; Liu et al., 2019),
G. reticulata is closest to G. hispida Lindl. in sharing
whitish reticulate venation on leaves and hardly opening
small flowers arranged along an elongate rachis.
Meanwhile, the former is readily distinguishable by its
glabrous ovaries and sepals and also by its lip hypochile
obviously protruding between the lateral sepals. As
noted by Lin et al. (2016), G. reticulata is also closely
related to G. hachijoensis Yatabe and its variety G.
hachijoensis var. matsumuana (Schltr.) Ohwi ex
Hatusima & Amano distributed in Japan and Taiwan.
Based on observation of fresh flowering materials, G.
hachijoensis var. matsumuana from Taiwan is
morphologically nearly identical to G. reticulata in Java
and Vietnam but still slightly distinct in having a smaller
lip with the hypochile barely protruding beyond the
lateral sepals. We tentatively keep them separate and
await more comprehensive study of this alliance.
Liparis nana Rolfe, 1913, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew: 28
(1913); Gagnep., Fl. Gen. Indo-Chine 6, 2: 192 (1932);
Seidenf., Dansk Bot. Ark., 31, 1: 20, fig. 9 (1976); id,
Opera Bot., 114: 130, fig. 77 (1992); Aver., Ident. Guide
Vietnam. Orch.: 140 (1994); P.H. Ho, Ill. Fl. Vietnam 3:
907, fig. 11374 (2000); Aver., Turczaninowia 16: 86. fig.
45, a–d (2013). Type: VIETNAM. “Annam”, s. coll., s.n.
(holotype: K-000943233!). Fig. 3
Liparis meniscophora Gagnep., Bull. Soc. Bot. France 79: 166
(1932); id., l.c. 6, 2: 190 (1932). Type: VIETNAM. Lam Dong
Province: Dalat, 11 July 1924, Evrard 1029 (holotype: P-
00327718 image!).
Liparis pygmaea auct. non King & Pantl.: Aver. & Averyanova,
Updated Checklist Orch. Viet.: 43, 87 (2003).
Distribution: Vietnam (Lam Dong), endemic.
Habitat and phenology: Liparis nana was primarily
found growing as a terrestrial herb among thick leaf litter
under damp primary broadleaved forest at an elevation
of 1400–1800 m. Sometimes it was also found growing
on moss-covered rotten woods. Flowering was observed
from June to July, and mature fruits were observed from
September to December.
Conservation status: During 2014–2019, Liparis
nana was recorded from six locations with an estimated
1000 mature individuals and an EOO of 457 km2
calculated in GeoCAT, and all known locations are
within protected areas. Since it was confined to primary
broadleaved forests which only occupy small patches
among the predominant Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon
forests in this region, we estimated a much smaller AOO
of 20 km2, but the subpopulations were not regarded as
“severely fragmented” considering its potential for seed
dispersal. This tiny unattractive species might face less
threat of commercial collection, but the gradual
expansion of coffee plantations and recreation areas
would potentially pose a threat to the range and quality
of its habitats. Considering these facts, this species is
evaluated as Vulnerable [VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); D1+2].
Studied specimens: VIETNAM. Lam Dong Provine: Lac
Duong District, Da Chais Commune, Giang Ly Station, 26 December
2014, Hsu 7404 (SGN); Da Chais Commune, Mt. Bidoup, 1800 m, 23
June 2018, Hsu 10714 (SGN, TAIF-519688); Da Nhim Commune,
Dung Iar Rieng Station, 1680 m, 27 June 2018, Hsu 10769 (SGN,
Taiwania Vol. 65, No. 2
360
Fig. 2. Two newly recorded orchids in Vietnam. A–F. Cheirostylis tortilacinia C.S. Leou (A–D from Hsu 11247; E from Hsu 700; F
from Hsu 3625). A. Flowering habit. B. Leaves. C & D. Flower. E. Flower of the specimen collected from Nantou, Taiwan (type locality).
F. Habit of the specimen collected from Hainan, China. G–J. Goodyera reticulata Blume (from Hsu 12050). G. Flowering habit. H.
Leaf. I & J. Inflorescence and flowers. Photographed and designed by T.C. Hsu.
2020 Hsu et al.: New orchids of southern Vietnam
361
Fig. 3. Morphology of Liparis nana Rolfe rediscovered in Vietnam (A & D–E from Hsu 11716; B & F–Q from Hsu 10714; C & R from
Hsu 10962). A & B. Flowering plants. C. Fruiting plant. D & E. Inflorescence and flowers. F. Bract. G. Dorsal sepal. H. Petal. I. Lateral
sepal. J. Lip in natural position. K. Flattened lip. L–O. Column. P & Q. Anther cap. R. Infructescence and capsules. Photographed and
designed by T.C. Hsu.
Taiwania Vol. 65, No. 2
362
TAIF-519687); Da Nhim Commune, Dung Iar Rieng Village, 1400 m,
18 June 2019, Hsu 11777 (SGN); Dung K'No Commune, Cong Troi
Station, 1600–1800 m, 24 September 2018, Hsu 10962 (SGN, TAIF-
521483, TNM); same locality, 1600–1700 m, 9 June 2019, Hsu 11716
(SGN, TAIF-524202, TNM); same locality, 1700–1800 m, 11 June
2019, Hsu 11743 (SGN, TAIF-524203, TNM); Lat Commune, Cong
Troi waterfall, 1600 m, 31 October 2019, Hsu 12266 (SGN).
Note: Liparis nana has been considered possibly
extinct because the last record dates back to 1924
(Averyanov, 2013). During an expedition in December
2014, a fruiting specimen was collected and speculated
by the first author to be L. nana, but its identity was not
confirmed until June 2018 when flowering individuals
were finally observed. In the past two years, we further
located several wild populations scattered around higher
northern terrain of Langbiang Plateau within the range
of Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (Fig. 1). Its diminutive
habits and dark-colored flowers possibly make it easily
overlooked by investigators.
Our newly collected specimens generally agree with
the type specimen of Liparis nana, especially in the
diagnostic lip structure, with papillate-erose margin,
mucronate apex and a large U-shaped basal callus (Fig.
3, J & K). However, we also found that some
morphological characters were not precisely described in
previous studies (Rolfe, 1913; Gagnepain, 1932a; 1932b;
Seidenfaden, 1976; 1992; Averyanov, 2013) based on
the very limited herbaria materials. A remarkable but
previously unmentioned vegetative character of L. nana
is that it has more or less distant pseudobulbs connected
by obvious rhizomes (Fig. 3, B & C). The rhizome under
a new pseudobulb generally elongates after anthesis and
could thus be overlooked on flowering specimens. Such
a growing habit has also been reported for other
members of the genus, e.g., L. montana Lindl. (described
from Java) and L. petiolata (D. Don) P.F. Hunt &
Summerh. (described from Nepal) within Liparis sect.
Liparis and clearly differentiates L. nana from a
sometimes confused species L. pygmaea King & Pantl.
(described from Sikkim) which has congested
pseudobulbs. The stout (ca. 2.5 × 2 mm), broadly winged
column is also characteristic (Fig. 3, L–O). However, it
should be especially noted that the weird “petaloid”
stylidia illustrated by Seidenfaden (1976; 1992) were not
seen in any of our fresh materials. We suspect that this
petaloid structure is a misinterpretation caused by
morphological shifting of the old herbarium materials
during the repeated dehydration and rehydration of its
very fleshy column.
On account of its overall morphological appearance,
we consider that Liparis nana might not be an
evolutionarily isolated species as proclaimed by
Seidenfaden (1976; 1992) and Averyanov (2013) since
it shows close affinity with some Indonesian species, e.g.,
L. montana and L. geophila Schltr. (described from
Sumatra). In fact, L. nana is especially closely allied to
the poorly documented species L. brevistylis (J.J. Sm.)
J.J. Sm. described from Java. According to Smith’s
(1910) line drawing, the lip and column morphology of
L. brevistylis and L. nana are very similar, but the basal
callus of the lip in L. brevistylis seems to be smaller and
rather columnar. Data from fresh materials of L.
brevistylis might ultimately be necessary to clarify the
affinity of these two taxa.
Nervilia pubilabia T.C. Hsu, C.W. Chen & Luu, sp. nov.
Figs. 4 & 5
Type: VIETNAM. Khanh Hoa Province: Khanh
Vinh District, Son Thai Commune, 800–1000 m, 21 May
2015, flowering under cultivation, T.C. Hsu 7721
(holotype: SGN!, isotype: TAIF-497279!).
Diagnosis: Morphologically allied to Nervilia
mackinnonii (Duthie) Schltr. in terms of leaf and
lipflower outlines but differing in its rhomboid-obovate,
entirely densely papillose-pubescent epichile with a
broad low central ridge.
Description: Terrestrial herb up to ca. 12 cm tall in
flowering plants. Tuber whitish, subglobose, 8–15 mm
long and across, 3–7 noded, with short, stubby roots
scattered at nodes. Subterranean stem emerging from
apical node of tuber, pale brownish, 3–5 cm long, 1.8–
2.8 mm in diameter, several-noded, bearing a short,
membranous, sheathing cataphyll at each of the upper
nodes, producing 1–3 horizontally extended, slender, 2–
10 cm long runners in the leafing phase that each give
rise to a daughter tuber at the apex. Petiole-like stalk
erect, 2–5 cm long, pale greenish, sulcate, with 1 brown,
membranous cataphyll at base. Leaf blade held a short
distance above ground level, cordate-polygonal,
uniformly green and glossy adaxially, pale green
abaxially, thick papery, with 7 palmately divergent main
veins, obtusely angulate at the tips of the main veins,
3.5–6.0 × 4.0–6.5 cm, deeply cordate at base, apex acute,
margin flat. Scape 8.0–11.5 cm tall, pale yellowish green,
bearing 2 membranous sheathing cataphylls 2.5–3.5 cm
long, 1-flowered. Floral bract erect, lanceolate-oblong,
4.0–4.8 × 2.0–2.2 mm, acute. Pedicel and ovary 5–6 mm
long, uniformly green. Flower nodding, semi-opening.
Sepals subsimilar, uniformly yellowish green, narrowly
lanceolate-elliptic, slightly cymbiform, acuminate, 3-
veined; dorsal sepal 16–18 × 2.4–2.7 mm; lateral sepals
indistinctly oblique, 17.5–19.0 × 3.0–3.5 mm. Petals
uniformly yellowish green, linear-elliptic, 14.5–16.0 ×
2.2–2.5 mm, acute, 3-veined. Lip oblong-elliptic when
flattened, 14.5–15.5 mm long, obscurely swollen at the
base, divided by a narrow waist at the middle into a semi-
tubular hypochile and a broad epichile, white with pale
green tint at base and a light yellow-green central stripe
near the middle, sometimes with very scarce and obscure
magenta spots scattered on the disc; hypochile involute
and embracing the column in natural position,
pandurate-obovate, 7.5–8.0 × 6.0–6.5 mm when
flattened, terminating in a pair of ovate-deltoid, obtuse
2020 Hsu et al.: New orchids of southern Vietnam
363
Fig. 4. Nervilia pubilabia T.C. Hsu, C.W. Chen & Luu (A from Hsu 7377; B–K from Hsu 7721). A. Vegetative plant. B. Flowering plant.
C. Flower. D. Floral bract. E. Dorsal sepal. F. Petal. G. Lateral sepal. H. Lip. I & J. Column. K. Pollinia. Illustrated by T.C. Hsu.
auricles ca. 1.5 mm long, shortly papillose throughout,
with two patches of slightly longer papillae near the base;
epichile rhomboid-obovate, widest at around one-third
below the apex, 8.0–8.5 × 5.0–5.5 mm, entire, rounded-
subtruncate at the apex, densely papillose-pubescent
throughout, with longer hair-like papillae from base to
the widest partsite and shorter conical papilllae toward
the apex; disc with two adjacent pubescent ridges arising
from near the base of the hypochile, forming a narrow
channel that extends to the base of epichile, the ridges
then merging into a single broad, rounded, densely
papillose-pubescent ridge extending to the apex of the
epichile. Column clavate, slightly sigmoid, 5.5–6.5 mm
long (excluding anther), white flushed light green, with
a patch of short hairs beneath the stigma; anther helmet-
shaped, ca. 2.5 mm long; pollinium c. 2 mm long;
rostellum thickened and protruding; stigma shield-
shaped, slightly concave. Capsule not seen.
Distribution: Vietnam (Khanh Hoa), endemic.
Etymology: The specific epithet is composed by
pubi-, downy, and labia, lip, refering to its characteristic
papillate-pubescent epichile of lip..
Habitat and phenology: Terrestrial under shaded
damp broadleaved forest at an elevation of 800–1000 m.
Flowers observed in May under cultivation but unknown
in the field; leaves appearing from June to December
under cultivation.
Paratype: VIETNAM. Khanh Hoa Province: Khanh Vinh
District, Son Thai Commune, 800–1000 m, 25 Dec 2014, leafing, Hsu
7377 (SGN!)
Conservation status: Nervilia pubilabia is currently
only known from its type locality, with an estimatedion
of 100 mature individuals growing inunder an
unprotected forest. Due to the difficulty of recognizing
and identifying taxa within the N. adolphi/punctata
species alliance, we suspect that its occurrence is still
under-recorded, and more investigations are needed to
clarify its distribution range and population size. The
species is thus tentatively regarded as Data Deficient
(DD).
Note: Nervilia pubilabia belongs to the “N.
adolphi/punctata species alliance”, a group of closely
related 1-flowered taxa in sect. Linervia sharing an entire,
slender, usually white and purple-marked lip and a
Taiwania Vol. 65, No. 2
364
glabrous angular leaf (Gale et al., 2018). The new species
Fig. 5. Nervilia pubilabia T.C. Hsu, C.W. Chen & Luu (A from Hsu 7377; B–W from Hsu 7721). A. Leaves. B. Flowering plants. C–F.
2020 Hsu et al.: New orchids of southern Vietnam
365
Flower. G. Dorsal sepal. H. Petal. I. Lateral sepal. J & K. Lip and column. L. Lip in natural position. M. Flattened lip. N–R. Column. S–U.
Anther. V & W. Pollinia. Photographed and designed by T.C. Hsu.
Fig. 6. Panisea sagittata T.C. Hsu, H.C. Hung & Luu (from Hsu 10893). A. Flowering plant. B. Floral bract. C & D. Flower. E. Dorsal sepal.
F. Petal. G. Lateral sepal. H. Cross section of sepals. I. Lip. J & K. Column. L. Cross section of ovary. M. Pollinia. Illustrated by T.C. Hsu.
is remarkable in its rhomboid-obovate, entirely densely
papillose-pubescent epichile with a broad low central
ridge (Figs. 4H & 5M). Among the N. adolphi/punctata
alliance currently confirmed in Vietnam, i.e. N. gracilis
Aver., N. mackinnonii (Duthie) Schltr. and N. muratana
S.W. Gale & S.K. Wu (Averyanov, 2011a; 2011b;
Averyanov et al., 2019), N. pubilabia most resembles N.
gracilis and N. mackinnonii as they share a deciduous,
angulate, uniformly green leaf and a lip with the
hypochile roughly as long as the epichile. However, N.
mackinnonii is distinct by its narrowly oblong epichile
which is only ca. 2.5 mm wide and never described as
densely papillose-pubescent (Seidenfaden, 1978; Chen
and Gale, 2009; Raskoti and Ale, 2010; Averyanov et al.,
2019), and N. gracilis is also distinguishable in having a
disc with two short glabrous keels instead of a long
pubescent ridge. Additionally, N. pubilabia is also
similar to the Thailand endemic N. trangensis S.W. Gale,
Suddee & Duangjai in terms of lip outline and disc
ornamentation, but the later differs in its acute (vs.
obtuse) hypochile auricles and its broader (6.4–7.4 v.s.
5.0–5.5), less prominently papillose epichile based on
the description, line drawing and photos given in the
protologue (Gale et al., 2018). Although the type
materials of N. pubilabia isare also remarkable in having
entirely yellowish green sepals and petals and a nearly
entirely white lip (Fig. 5, C–M), additional observation
ismight still be necessary to confirmaffirm whether such
floral coloration is diagnostic for the species.
Panisea sagittata T.C. Hsu, H.C. Hung & Luu, sp. nov.
Fig. 6 & 7
Type: VIETNAM. Lam Dong Province: Lac Duong
District, Da Chais Commune, Bidoup-Nui Ba National
Park, around Hon Giao Station, 1880 m, 19 September
2018, T.C. Hsu 10893 (holotype: SGN!, isotypes: TAIF-
524200!, TNM!).
Diagnosis: The new species differs from all other
Panisea species in having a sagittate lip with a flat disc
and a pair of backward-pointing basal lobules.
Description: Epiphytic herb ca. 5–10 cm tall.
Rhizome obscure. Pseudobulbs densely clustered, ovate to
Taiwania Vol. 65, No. 2
366
ovate-spherical, 1.2–1.8 × 0.8–1.2 cm, smooth, dull,
irregularly rugulose in dry condition, with 2 apical leaves; young pseudobulb covered with 4–6 brown caducous
cataphylls at base. Leaves narrow-elliptic, (2)3–6 × (0.5)0.7
2020 Hsu et al.: New orchids of southern Vietnam
367
Fig. 7. Panisea sagittata T.C. Hsu, H.C. Hung & Luu (from Hsu 10893). A, B & E. Flowering plants. C. Leaf. D. Inflorescence. F & G. Flower. H.
Floral bract. I. Dorsal sepal. J. Petal. K. Lateral sepal. L & M. Lips in natural position. N & O. Flattened lips. P & Q. Lip and column. R–T. Column.
U & V. Anther. W. Pollinia. Photographed and designed by T.C. Hsu.
–1.0(1.2) cm, thin coriaceous, slightly glossy adaxially,
attenuate and subsessile at base, acuminate at apex, with
prominent mid-vein and 2 obscure lateral veins.
Inflorescence subhysteranthous, pedunculate,
distichously (1)2–4(5)-flowered; scape green, slender,
(1.0)2.0–3.5(4.0) cm long, usually inclined, naked;
rachis 0.5–2 cm. Floral bracts pale greenish white,
papery, conduplicate, enclosing pedicels and ovaries,
broadly ovate when flattened, 5–9 × 4–7 mm, acute at
apex, withered but persistent after anthesis. Pedicels and
ovaries 5–10 mm long, nearly straight. Flowers ±
synchronously blooming, pure white, not widely
opening, usually nodding, odorless, glabrous throughout.
Sepals 5-veined, mid-vein keeled abaxially, slightly
concave near base, acuminate at apex; dorsal sepal
ovate-lanceolate, 16–18 × 4–6 mm; lateral sepals falcate-
ovate, 15.0–16.5 × 4.0–5.5 mm. Petals obliquely
narrowly rhombic-elliptic, 14.5–15.5 × 3.0–4.0 mm, 3-
veined, flat, acute-acuminate at apex. Lip adnate to apex
of column foot, sagittate and slightly sigmoid in natural
position, elliptic when flattened, 3-veined, 12.5–14.0
mm long, divided into an unguiculate hypochile and a
broad epichile; hypochile rectangular-oblong, 4.5–5.0 ×
2.5–3.5 mm, slightly revolute; epichile ovate to ovate-
elliptic, with two backward-pointing auriculate lobules
at base, 10–11 × 5.5–7.0 mm including basal lobules,
acuminate at apex, margin coarsely undulate; basal
lobules 1.8–2.8 × 1.5–2.0 mm, ± inward curved when
flattened, apex obtuse-rounded; disc flat. Column
spatulate, curved, 10–11 × 2.0–2.5 mm, conspicuously
winged on upper 2/3 of its length, broadening and ±
galeate at apex; rostellum prominent, lamellate; stigma
located just below rostellum, cup-shaped; column foot
short but conspicuous, ca. 2 mm long, ± thickened.
Anther white with beige-yellow tint, broadly ovoid, ca.
1.5 × 1.5 mm; pollinia 4, in 2 pairs, pale yellowish,
obovoid, with caudicles. Capsule not seen.
Distribution: Vietnam (Lam Dong), endemic.
Etymology: The new species is named after its
characteristic sagittate lip.
Habitat and phenology: Epiphytic on upper trunks
and branches in constantly humid ridge-top broadleaved
forests at ane elevation of 1700–1900 m. Flowers
observed from September to November.
Conservation status: This species is likely restricted
to the constantly humid ridge-top forests around the
borders of Lam Dong, Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan
Provinces and is currently known from two locations. Its
estimated range is small (AOO: 8 km2), though mostly
within protected areas. Meanwhile, its horticultural
value could be comparable to Panisea albiflora (Ridl.)
Seidenf., which has been cultivated and traded on the
internet as a kind of “miniature orchid”, and hence the
potential threat of commercial collection should be taken
into account. Based on the above consideration, P.
sagittata is evaluated as Endangered [EN B2ab(v)].
Paratypes: VIETNAM. Lam Dong Province: Lac Duong
District, Da Chais Commune, Mt. Gia Rich, 1700 m, 5 November 2019,
Hsu 12271 (SGN, TAIF-524201).
Note: The new species is unique in the small genus
Panisea on account of its sagittate lip with backward-
pointing basal lobules and a flat disc. In other congeneric
species with trilobed or basally auriculate lips, the side-
lobes or basal auricles are either forward-pointing (e.g.,
P. uniflora (Lindl.) Lindl.) or erect (side-pointing when
flattened; e.g., P. apiculata Lindl., P. distelidia I.D.
Lund, P. moi M.Z. Huang, J.M. Yin & G.S. Yang and P.
vinhii Aver. & Averyanova), and the lips of these species
all bear calli or thickened veins on the discs (Lund, 1987;
Averyanov and Averyanova, 2005; Huang et al., 2012).
Despite the remarkable lip morphology, P. sagittata
could be neglected in the field due to its superficial
resemblance of P. albiflora, a relatively well-known
southern Vietnam endemic (Averyanov & Averyanova,
2003; Averyanov et al., 2003), which also occurs in the
Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park. The two species share
nearly identical habits and similar pure white flowers,
yet P. albiflora is readily distinguishable by the entire lip
with two ridges on disc and the much shorter column.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We are grateful to Van Huong Le, the director of Bidoup-Nui
Ba National Park, for his generous support to the project and Van
Son Le, the director of research center of Bidoup-Nui Ba
National Park, for the logistic support. We also thank Ich Le
Phuoc Thanh Nguyen, Xuan Hoan Pham, Thi Nguyen Pham,
Huu Nhan Pham and Huu Dang Tran for their assistance during
the field trips. The project was supported by the Ministry of
Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST-107-2911-I-007-
301) and partially by the Bioresource Conservation Research
Center in College of Life Science from the Higher Education
Sprout Project by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Taiwan.
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