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Issue: Vol. 704 No. 2: 6 Jun. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-06-06
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7
Page range: 196-202
Abstract views: 517
PDF downloaded: 13

Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), a new orchid species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Taxonomy and Biodiversity Laboratory, Department of Botany, Sikkim University, 6th mile, Samdur, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102, India; G.B.Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), North-East Regional Centre, Chandranagar, Itanagar 791113, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Angiosperm Systematics and Ethnobotany Division, Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh- (791112), Arunachal Pradesh, India; Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India, Senki view, Itanagar 791111, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Angiosperm Systematics and Ethnobotany Division, Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh- (791112), Arunachal Pradesh, India
Angiosperm Systematics and Ethnobotany Division, Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh- (791112), Arunachal Pradesh, India
Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah 711103, West Bengal, India
G.B.Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), North East Regional Centre, Chandranagar, Itanagar- 791113, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Department of Biology, Health and Wellness, Miami Dade College, Miami, Florida 33167, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
Aeridinae Himalaya biodiversity hotspot flora of India moth orchids taxonomy Monocots

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.

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How to Cite

Khanal, M., Ari, V.H., Lendo, P.N., Singpho, J., Sarkar, S., Kumar, D. & Kumar, P. (2025) Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), a new orchid species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa 704 (2): 196–202. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7