[Botany • 2025] Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New orchid Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 Phalaenopsis quadridentata M.Khanal & Kumar,

in Khanal, Ari, Lendo, Singpho, Sarkar, D. Kumar et P. Kumar. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7  

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Abstract   

Phalaenopsis quadridentata is described as a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Morphologically, this species looks similar to, Phalaenopsis mirabilis and Phalaenopsis putaoensis. However, the new species is a leafy plant bearing up to 4 flowers; sepals and petals bent backwards; labellum almost cochleate with ovate to elliptic midlobe, midrib not prominent, margin entire and ovate apex; lateral lobes of the labellum triangular, raised and arched above convergently with tips touching each other; 4 tooth-like triangular appendages at the junction of labellum and column, conical spur with densely pubescent inner surface and anther cap that is ovoid, entire, rounded. Whereas, P. mirabilis is a leafy plant bearing more than 5 flowers; sepals and petals bend forwards; labellum midlobe diamond-shaped, non-cochleate, midrib prominent and raised along its length, margin undulate and acute apex; lateral lobes truncate, erect parallelly; a high-raising linear appendage with a pointed triangular tip at the junction of labellum and column, deeply saccate spur without any hairs or ornamentation at the inner surface and anther cap ovoid with three triangular teeth at apex. Phalaenopsis putaoensis is a leafless plant bearing more than 5 flowers on one inflorescence; sepals and petals erect and spreading, labellum midlobe rhomboid and yellowish white; lacking spur; 2 raised calli from the base till apex; 2 minute slender, antenna-like appendages at the junction of labellum and column. A detailed taxonomic description, photos and notes on phenology, habitat and conservation assessment have been provided. 

Aeridinae, Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, Flora of India, moth orchids, taxonomy, Monocots

Phalaenopsis quadridentata 

Madhusudhan KHANAL, Veeresh Huchappa ARI, Pakgam Ngulom LENDO, Jaseng SINGPHO, Shuvadip SARKAR, Devendra KUMAR and Pankaj KUMAR. 2025. Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), A New orchid Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa. 704(2); 196-202. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7 [2025-06-06]

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[Botany • 2025] Zeuxine drukyulensis (Orchidaceae) • A New jewel orchid from Bhutan Himalaya

 

Zeuxine drukyulensis P.Gyeltshen, Rabgay & Kumar,

in Gyeltshen, Rabgay, Tobgay et Kumar, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.1.11 

facebook.com: Phub GYELTSHEN

 

Abstract

An interesting new species of jewel orchid, Zeuxine drukyulensis is described and illustrated from warm broadleaved forests in western Bhutan. It is closely allied to Zeuxine nervosa and Zeuxine rolfeana, however, differs in various morphological characters, primarily the structure, size and colour of the flower. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) as per the IUCN Red List guidelines.

Conservation, Data Deficient, Drukyul, Orchidoideae, Rimchu, taxonomy, Monocots

Phub GYELTSHEN, Kinley RABGAY, Kezang TOBGAY and Pankaj KUMAR. 2025. Zeuxine drukyulensis (Orchidaceae), A New jewel orchid from Bhutan Himalaya.  Phytotaxa. 690(1); 123-129. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.1.11 [2025-02-26]

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[Botany • 2025] Rediscovery of Crepidium parryae After Nearly 100 Years and Taxonomic Notes on Crepidium purpureum and C. khasianum [Notes on Asian Orchidaceae II]

 

Crepidium parryae (Tang & F.T.Wang) Marg. [1926]

in Gogoi & Kumar, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70009  

 facebook.com/sahanipankaj

ABSTRACT

Crepidium parryae, originally known from Mizoram, has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after nearly 100 years. This paper provides a comprehensive description of the species, including taxonomic notes, color plates, line drawings, habitat information, and an assessment of its conservation status. Furthermore, Crepidium assamicum K. Gogoi & J. Sharma and C. meghalayense M. Murugesan, Sushil K. Singh, & A. A. Mao are now synonymized under C. purpureum (Lindl.) Szlach., while C. falcifolium Nuammee, Seelanan & H. A. Pedersen, and C. matsudae (Yamam.) Szlach. are synonymized under C. khasianum (Hook.f.) Szlach., based on their morphological similarities. Taxonomic notes supporting these synonymies are also included.

Keywords: C. metallicum, C. octodentatum, Crepidium acuminatum, Malaxideae, new synonyms

Crepidium parryae (Tang & F.T.Wang) Marg.

Khyanjeet Gogoi and Pankaj Kumar. 2025. Notes on Asian Orchidaceae II: Rediscovery of Crepidium parryae After Nearly 100 Years and Taxonomic Notes on Crepidium purpureum and Crepidium khasianum. Feddes Repertorium. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70009 [27 March 2025]

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[Botany • 2024] Coelogyne tripurensis • Taxonomy of Coelogyne section Fuliginosae (Orchidaceae): New Species, Notes, Resurrections and Typifications

Coelogyne tripurensis  

in Adit et Kumar, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.668.1.5

 

Abstract

Coelogyne tripurensis is described here as a species new to science. This epiphytic orchid was discovered from the moist broadleaf forests of Jampui Hills in Tripura, North-East India situated at the westernmost fringe of Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot. Evidences to delineate the newly described species and its significant differences from closely related taxa have been provided. We discuss the resurrection of C. fuliginosa, C. leungiana and C. pallens as distinct species. Additionally, lectotypification of C. chrysotropis, C. ovalis and C. pallens, and neotypification of C. fuliginosa is presented. We also provide historical evidence for the range extension of C. phitamii in Thailand. An identification key for the taxonomically challenging Coelogyne section Fuliginosae which consists of nine species is provided along with detailed nomenclatural notes on each species as a revision of the section.

 Flora of Tripura, Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot, nomenclature, North-East India, South and South-East Asia, taxonomic revision, Monocots

Arjun Adit and Pankaj Kumar. 2024. Taxonomy of Coelogyne section Fuliginosae (Orchidaceae): New Species, Notes, Resurrections and Typifications.  Phytotaxa. 668(1); 81-98. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.668.1.5

Researchgate.net/profile/Arjun-Adit/research

[Botany • 2022] Trichoglottis longifolia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae) • A New Species from Sri Lanka

[A-C] Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar, 
[D-E] Trichoglottis tenera 

in Bandara, Atthanagoda, Bandara, Ranasinghe et Kumar, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.567.1.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/364024163

 

Abstract

Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new species from Sri Lanka. So far, the genus was represented by a single species in Sri Lanka, Trichoglottis tenera. The new species can be easily distinguished from T. tenera in having longer leaves, yellowish-green flowers with lanceolate dorsal sepal and petals and a longer spur. This species occurs in sub-montane forests in Sabaragamuwa Province and categorized as Endangered based on the available data.

Keywords: cherub orchid, epiphyte, Orchidaceae, Sri Lanka, Monocots

 Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov.
A. Plant habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Side view of flower. D. Bract. E. Dorsal sepal. F1 & F2. Petals. G1 & G2. Lateral sepals. H. Labellum. I. Side view of labellum. J. Sagittal section of labellum and spur. K. Side view of column and spur. L. Leaf. M. Capsule. N. Operculum. O. Pollinia.

Photographs by Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda.

 Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov.
A. Plant habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Side view of flower. D. Bract. E. Dorsal sepal. F1 & F2. Petals. G1 & G2. Lateral sepals. H. Labellum. I. Side view of labellum. J. Sagittal section of labellum and spur. K. Leaf. L. Side view of column and spur. M. Front view of column and spur. N. Operculum. O. Pollinia P. Capsule.

 Illustrations by Champika Bandara.

Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov.

 Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov. A. Plant habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Side view of flower.
Trichoglottis tenera D. Plant habit. E. Front view of flower. F. Side view of flower.

Photographs by Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda.

 

Champika Bandara, Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda, Nadeesha Lewke Bandara, Bhanuka Ranasinghe and Pankaj Kumar. 2022. Trichoglottis longifolia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), A New Species from Sri Lanka. Phytotaxa. 567(1); 71-78. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.567.1.6

  Researchgate.net/publication/364024163_Trichoglottis_longifolia_a_new_species_from_Sri_Lanka

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[Botany • 2024] Bulbophyllum gopalianum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species of Bulbophyllum sect. Lemniscata from Mizoram (India), the westernmost Region of the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot

Bulbophyllum gopalianum  

in Sâwmliana, Gogoi, Jalal et Kumar, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04256 

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  eFLORAofINDIA.com

Abstract

A new species, Bulbophyllum gopalianum, is described from the montane sub-tropical forest of Mizoram (India) in the westernmost area of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot. The new species belongs to the section Lemniscata and shows close morphological affinity to B. suavissimum and B. shanicum. A detailed description, diagnosis, phenology, taxonomic notes and conservation assessment are presented. The new species is assessed as critically endangered (CR) based on its very small and restricted population size.

Keywords: Bulbophyllum shanicum, Bulbophyllum suavissimum, Critically Endangered, section Lemniscata, tribe Dendrobieae

 

Bulbophyllum gopalianum

Sâwmliana, M., K. Gogoi, J.S. Jalal and P. Kumar  

Mal Sâwmliana, Khyanjeet Gogoi, Jeewan Singh Jalal and Pankaj Kumar. 2024. Bulbophyllum gopalianum (Orchidaceae), A New Species from Mizoram (India), the westernmost Region of the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04256

  www.linkedin.com/posts/pankaj-kumar-phd-fls-ba147515_bulbophyllum-gopalianum-orchidaceae-a-activity-7161400834423951360--0_F

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  eFLORAofINDIA.com/2024/02/22/bulbophyllum-gopalianum  

[Botany • 2024] Holcoglossum clausum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from Southern Shan State, Myanmar with Taxonomic Notes on Holcoglossum himalaicum

Holcoglossum clausum  K.P.Wojtas, C.Bandara & Kumar,
  

in Wojtas, Bandara et Kumar, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.638.3.5 

 facebook.com/SahaniPankaj

Abstract

A new species of Holcoglossum is described and illustrated from Myanmar with colour plates, line drawing and photographs. The comparison and differentiation are made with H. semiteretifolium and H. himalaicum. Holcoglossum clausum is allied to H. himalaicum owing to the similar coloration and the long spur, however, they differ based on the size of the petals (7–8 mm × 2–3 mm vs. 4–5 mm × 2 mm), the length of the petiole (1.8 cm vs. 3–4 cm) and the length of the stem (4 cm vs. 5–24 cm). From H. semiteretifolium the new species can be distinguished by its growth (pendant vs. upright), the much longer leaves (45 cm vs. 15 cm) and the longer spur (1.3 cm vs. 6.4 mm). Furthermore, we reduce H. gaoligongense and Pendulorchis gaoligongense var. lushuiensis to the synonymy of H. himalaicum, as there are no discernible morphological differences between them, and they both inhabit the same climate type, namely the subtropical highland climate.

Epidendroideae, Holcoglossum clausum, Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot, wild orchid trade, Vandeae, Monocots

K. Philip Wojtas, Champika Bandara and Pankaj Kumar. 2024. A New Species of Holcoglossum (Orchidaceae, Aeridinae) from Southern Shan State, Myanmar with Taxonomic Notes on Holcoglossum himalaicum.  Phytotaxa. 638(3); 257-267. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.638.3.5 

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[Botany • 2019] Pteroceras dalaputtuwa (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae) • A New Species from Sri Lanka and Re-collection of Pteroceras viridiflorum after 150 years

Pteroceras dalaputtuwa Atthanagoda, Priyadarshana, Wijewardana, Aberathna & Kumar, 

 in Priyadarshana, Atthanagoda, Wijewardhane, Siriweera, Aberathna et Kumar, 2019.

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.399.1.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/331981298

Abstract

Pteroceras dalaputtuwa, a new species, is described from the lowland-wet zone of Sri Lanka. For the first time in the history of plant nomenclature, a new species is named after an elephant, ‘Galgamuwa Dala Puttuwa’, which was killed for its majestic ivory. The new species shows a close morphological affinity with P. philippinense from the Philippines. However, P. dalaputtuwa sp. nov. can be readily distinguished by having small and partially opened flowers (10 mm long × 5 mm wide), short petals (4 mm long × 1 mm wide), short sepals (4.9 mm long × 3.0 mm wide) and elongated rectangular-oval spur (7 mm long × 3 mm wide). P. viridiflorum, which is considered as a “Critically Endangered Possibly Extinct” [CR(PE)] orchid, is also re-collected after after a gap of nearly 150 years with a record of a new colour form (white colour variant) and, is re-described with designation of a lectotype and an epitype. 

Keywords: conservation, epitype, lectotype, orchid, tusker, wet zone, Monocots

Pteroceras dalaputtuwa Atthanagoda, Priyadarshana, Wijewardana, Aberathna & Kumar, sp. nov.

Etymology:—This specific epithet, ‘dalaputtuwa’, means entwined and is chosen in honor of an iconic entwined tusker (Galgamuwa Dala Puttuwa, Fig. 3) from Sri Lanka, which was killed by poachers for its majestic ivory. Thereason for this choice of name is to attract wider public and government attention pertaining to the need for improved conservation policies to protect Sri Lankan biodiversity. 

Tharaka S. Priyadarshana, Anusha G. Atthanagoda, Ishara H. Wijewardhane, Kawshalya S. Siriweera, Nimantha Aberathna and Pankaj Kumar. 2019. Pteroceras dalaputtuwa (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), A New Species from Sri Lanka and Re-collection of Pteroceras viridiflorum after 150 years. Phytotaxa. 399(1); 65–76. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.399.1.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/331981298_Pteroceras_dalaputtuwa_a_new_species_from_Sri_Lanka

[Botany • 2023] Chiloschista shanica (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from Myanmar

 Chiloschista shanica K.P.Wojtas, C.Bandara & Kumar, 

in Wojtas, Bandara et Kumar, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.612.1.4 

facebook.com/KurtKellerch 

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Abstract

A new species of Chiloschista is described and illustrated from Myanmar (Shan State) with colour plates, line drawing and photographs. The comparison and differentiation are made with Chiloschista rodriguezii, C. parishii and C. lunifera. Chiloschista shanica is most similar to C. rodriguezii from which it differs in having brownish streaks on green coloured peduncle and pedicel, densely placed flowers on the peduncle; sepals and petals comparatively shorter and wider, white coloured dotted with reddish-brown spots and being glabrous on the outer surface; labellum sac pointing forwards; side lobes of labellum acute with denticulate margin and arching above the column and denticulate upper margin of rostellum. From C. parishii and C. lunifera the new species differs in having a deeply saccate labellum with hairs on its front and back wall and sepals and petals almost glabrous on outer surface.

Keywords: Chiloschista shanica, Epidendroideae, Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot, Vandeae, wild orchid trade, Monocots

 Chiloschista shanica K.P.Wojtas, C.Bandara & Kumar  

Etymology: Named in reference to Shan State of Myanmar from where the species was reported by Tun (2014) for the first time and is still believed to be endemic to.

K. Philip Wojtas, Champika Bandara and Pankaj Kumar. 2023. A New Species of Chiloschista (Orchidaceae, Aeridinae) from Myanmar.  Phytotaxa. 612(1); 57-66. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.612.1.4

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[Botany • 2023] Gastrodia munasinghae & G. thilakapremae (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Gastrodieae) • Two New Species from Sri Lanka [The Study of the Tribe Gastrodieae in Sri Lanka I]

Gastrodia munasinghae & G. thilakapremae 

Atthanagoda, C.Bandara & Kumara, 

 

in Bandara, Atthanagoda, Bandara et Kumar, 2023.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.622.2.2 

facebook.com/AnushaAtthanagoda

 

Abstract

As the first step in the taxonomic study of the tribe Gastrodieae (Orchidaceae), two new species, Gastrodia munasinghae and G. thilakapremae are described here from Sri Lanka based on the distinct morphological differences and long-term field observations. Detailed taxonomic descriptions along with the line drawings, color plates, notes on habitat and ecology, distribution and conservation status, phenology and pollination ecology as well as morphological comparison to the other Gastrodia species in Sri Lanka are also discussed. Both species are endemic to the Island and are assessed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Furthermore, notes are provided along with a distribution map for field identification of all Gastrodia species in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Monocots, Central Highlands, mycoheterotrophy, potato orchids, Samanala Nature Reserve

 Gastrodia thilakapremea Atthanagoda, C.Bandara & Kumara 

 Gastrodia munasinghae Atthanagoda, C.Bandara & Kumara 

 

Champika Bandara, Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda, Nadeesha Lewke Bandara and Pankaj Kumar. 2023. The Study of the Tribe Gastrodieae (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) in Sri Lanka I: Two New Species of Gastrodia. Phytotaxa. 622(2); 115-130. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.622.2.2

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[Botany • 2023] Trichoglottis quadriga (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae) • A New Species from Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Trichoglottis quadriga Atthan., C.Bandara, Peiris & Kumar, 

in Bandara, Atthanagoda, Peiris, Jayasundara, Ranasinghe, ... et Kumar, 2023.  

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.4.2 

 facebook.com/AnushaAtthanagoda

Researchgate.net/publication/373449265

 

Abstract

Trichoglottis quadriga is described as a new species from the montane and sub-montane forests, between 900–1800 m elevations in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. It is morphologically similar to Vietnamese endemic, T. canhii, but differs significantly in having 4-flowered racemes (vs. 5–12-flowered racemes); longer, terete spur, 3.2 mm long and 1.2 mm in diameter with bi-lobed apex (vs. shorter, broadly conical spur, 1.4–1.8 mm long and 1.2–1.5 mm in diameter near the base with roundish apex) and larger labellum, 5.5 mm long and 3.5 mm wide (vs. labellum 3.8–4.0 mm long, 1.8–2.0 mm wide). Colour plates, line drawing and field identification key are provided along with detailed taxonomic description, notes on habitat, ecology and distribution. A preliminary assessment of extinction risk according to the IUCN guidelines is also provided for the new species.

Keywords: Critically Endangered, Endemic flora, miniature orchids, Samanala cherub orchid, Sri Lankan flora, Monocots

 Trichoglottis quadriga Atthan., C.Bandara, Peiris & Kumar sp. nov.
A. Plant habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Lateral view of flower. D. Front view of flower. E. Bract. F. Dorsal sepal. G. Petals. H. Lateral sepals. I. Labellum. J. Lateral view of labellum, column and spur. K. Sagittal section of column, labellum and spur. L. Dorsal view of spur. M. Leaf apex. N. Capsule. O. Pollinia. P–R. Operculum.

Illustrations by Champika Bandara.

Trichoglottis quadriga Atthan., C.Bandara, Peiris & Kumar sp. nov.

 

Champika Bandara, Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda, Gayan Prasanga Peiris, Ramitha Jayasundara, Bhanuka Ranasinghe, Udayanga Nuwan Kumara, Nimantha Aberathne, Dushantha Hettiarachchi, Malith Dissanayake, Thimira Karunathilake, Niwahal Vimukthi Bandara, Oshan Dewmith Fernando, Chandra Bandara Wijesundara,  Nadeesha Lewke Bandara and Pankaj Kumar. 2023. Trichoglottis quadriga (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), A New Species from Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.  Phytotaxa. 609(4); 265-272. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.4.2

Researchgate.net/publication/373449265_Trichoglottis_quadriga_a_new_species_from_Central_Highlands_of_Sri_Lanka

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