Eulophia stenopetala is a species of orchid endemic to Bhutan.[2] The only material on this species from Bhutan is the holotype specimen collected by William Griffith in Bhutan in 1838 and resides at the Kew Herbarium with catalogue number K000852991.[3] Another specimen without any information on its location is also available at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center with catalogue number U.1466607.[4] The plant is currently considered extinct as numerous attempts to find it in the type locality failed.[5]

Eulophia stenopetala
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Eulophia
Species:
E. stenopetala
Binomial name
Eulophia stenopetala
Synonyms
  • Graphorkis stenopetala (Lindl.) Kuntze

Etymology

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The epithet "stenopetala" was derived from Greek meaning narrow petals.[6]

Description

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This is a terrestrial orchid which grows on dry hills at around 1800m. It grows to 30-50cm in height. Pseudobulbs are irregular and the flowering scape is erect and ridged with clasping sheaths. Clasping sheaths are distant and ovate-lanceolate in shape. Two leaves present and they are linear in shape. Flowers are purple with darker purple veins. Special character if this species is the club-shaped spur of the flower.[6]

Type status

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The type locality of this plant is near Thinleygang in Punakha District.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Details), Bhutan Endemic Flowering Plants Workshop (See Rinchen ??? for contact (25 November 2015). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eulophia stenopetala". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2017-3.rlts.t44786445a44787125.en.
  2. ^ Yangzom, Rinchen; Long, David (11 November 2015). Plants Endemic to Bhutan Himalaya. Bhutan: National Biodiversity Centre. ISBN 978-99936-763-5-5.
  3. ^ "Occurrence Detail 912644588". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  4. ^ "Occurrence Detail 2515629039". www.gbif.org.
  5. ^ Biodiversity Statistics of Bhutan 2017 A Preliminary Baseline. Thimphu: National Biodiversity Centre. 22 May 2019.
  6. ^ a b c Pearce, N. R; Cribb, P.J (2002). Flora of Bhutan : including a record of plants from Sikkim and Darjeeling = b́rug gi rzswa shiṅ sna tshogs. Vol. 3. Pt. 3, The orchids of Bhutan. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. pp. 251–252. ISBN 1872291198.