Nakhon si thammarat: A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Khao Nan National Park as a new species of orchid, known as “Wan Juk,” has been identified by the Surat Thani National Park Innovation Research and Development Center. This unique find, the Spathoglottis plicata Blume, is part of the “Researcher’s Secret Story” mission aimed at exploring the diverse biodiversity of Thailand’s forests. The orchid grows at elevations between 500 and 700 meters above sea level, revealing important insights into the unique flora of the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the “Wan Juk” orchid boasts several distinctive botanical features. The terrestrial orchid grows laterally with a bulbous underground stem. Its leaves are strip-shaped and pointed, with clearly parallel veins. The inflorescence is a spike-like structure that emerges from the underside of the plant, pointing upwards. The plant’s peduncle is characterized by being green, internoded, and covered with a pointed sheath.
The flowers of “Wan Juk” are particularly noteworthy, with up to 20 or more flowers produced in the inflorescence, each bearing folded magenta bracts. The colors range from light purple to deep magenta. The most striking feature of the orchid is its deep purple, upward-curving lobes, adorned with two white to yellowish tissue bumps with white hairs at the tips. The lobes’ tips extend forward and spread out in a semicircle, centered by a light purple dimple. The gracefully curving stamens add to the plant’s allure.
This orchid species, capable of blooming all year round, is typically found in moist forests, lowlands, or open forests with bright sunlight. The “Wan Juk” orchid is widely distributed across regions from the eastern Himalayas to several South Pacific islands, indicating its adaptability and resilience.
The discovery of “Wan Juk” highlights the rich biodiversity of Khao Nan National Park and underscores the importance of conservation efforts in southern Thailand. Such botanical findings are crucial for understanding the species inhabiting these forests and establishing a database for preserving their habitats. The unveiling of “Wan Juk” is a significant step towards conserving the natural treasures within Thailand’s southern forests.
Source: National Park Innovation Research and Development Center, Surat Thani Province, Office of Natural Resources Conservation Area 4 (Surat Thani)