Discover 2 beautiful new orchids in Lao Cai and Khanh Hoa

Scientists from the Institute of Tropical Biology of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have discovered two new orchids, which are quite unique.

MSc. Truong Ba Vuong , Institute of Tropical Biology, discovered and described two new orchid species including Gastrochilus setosus Aver. et Vuong and Podochilus truongtamii Aver. et Vuong

New orchid species Gastrochilus setosus Aver.et Vuong.(Photo: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology was discovered in Lao Cai).

New orchid species Gastrochilus setosus Aver. Vuong was found in Si Ma Cai forest of Lao Cai province. This is a small yellow-green orchid. This species has similar characteristics to 2 other orchid species discovered in Taiwan, Gastrochilus hoi and Gastrochilus matsudae in terms of flower shape and color and hairy lips, but differs in smaller flower sizes, almost lips. round, move parallel to the ovary and have a lot of inner hair.

New orchid Podochilus truongtamii Aver.Vuong was discovered in Khanh Hoa.

The second new orchid species is Podochilus truongtamii Aver. et Vuong is found in Hon Ba Nature Reserve, Khanh Hoa Province and named after the engineer Truong Quang Tam who is the father of the co-author describing the new species Truong Ba Vuong. This new species has flower characteristics about 3.5cm long, the base of the lips has a straight, thick base, and long pillars of legs are brought forward. This is the second species of the genus Podochilus discovered in Hon Ba nature reserve along with Podochilus rotundipetala Aver. Vuong was discovered and described in 2016.

With the discovery of two new species of orchids, the total number of orchids found in Vietnam has increased to 1,243 species. Vietnam orchid system is considered very diverse and rich.