Keywords
Bhutan
conservation
habitat
Samtse District
taxonomy
threat status
How to Cite
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Abstract
A botanical exploration carried out in Samtse District (south-western Bhutan) in 2019 led to a discovery of the rare perennial herb Hemiorchis pantlingii. It was found in shaded areas within a subtropical plantation forest of Shorea robusta Gaertn. at an elevation of 386 m. This species differs from H. rhodorrhachis in lateral staminodes, with apex ± truncate, yellow to orange-yellow, but also labellum mid-region distinctly raised with a single broad keel, and apical projection – a single blunt lobe. The plant is assessed as near threatened (NT) under the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.
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