Description:
This epiphytic orchid is deciduous, possessing a rhizome from which aerial stems emerge. These stems are of varying forms and become bulbous, approaching a spherical shape, with a diameter of approximately 2 cm. They bear two sessile leaves, which are 3-5 cm long and 1 cm wide. The inflorescence arises from the base of the previous year’s leafless stem, measuring about 3 cm in length. It bears 6-10 densely packed flowers on the upper half.
The bracts are narrowly triangular, with pointed tips, 3.75 mm long, and white in color. The sepals are narrowly triangular-lanceolate, about 2 mm long, white, and pale green. Their margins are rolled upwards, and the outer surface is covered with a dense layer of white hairs. The petals are narrowly triangular with pointed tips, 2 mm long, and less than 0.5 mm wide. The lip is strongly curved, with a rough, wrinkled outer surface. The column is 1 mm long.
Biology:
The plant flowers in May.
Habitat and Ecology:
This orchid is found growing on the trunks and branches of trees in evergreen tropical rainforests with a humid monsoon climate, at altitudes of approximately 600-900 meters.
Distribution:
The species is a very narrow endemic of Vietnam, currently only documented at the type locality in Gia Lai province (Chư Pah: Gia Lu).
Value:
A valuable and rare genetic resource.
Conservation Status:
Rare species. Threat level: R (Rare).
Recommended Conservation Measures:
This species is a protected organism within the Gia Lu nature reserve. It is recommended that living plants be collected and cultivated in botanical gardens.