Orchids face rare demon faces in Colombia

A orchid in southern Colombia has a middle part that looks like a staring devil face.

According to the International Business Times, special orchids were discovered in southern Colombia. Scientists named this orchid as Telipogon diabolicus based on its strange-looking form. They describe the shape of the tree, its habitat and its unique character in the Phitokeys magazine on July 8.

The face of the devil in the center of the flower.(Photo: Marta Kolanowska).

Colombia is home to 3,600 orchid species, representing nearly 250 orchids. The newly discovered orchid species belongs to the telipogon genus, first described by biologists 200 years ago.

Telipogon diabolicusm has dark brown and dark purple flowers and the body is 5.5 - 9cm long, according to the research team at the University of Gdansk, Poland.

Although the flower of the tree possesses many similarities to the species of the same family, Telipogon diabolicusm has many unique characteristics. In addition to the demon face in the center of the flower, the petals curved like claws. This is the first time this petal pattern has been found in a orchid family in Colombia.

Newly discovered orchids have extremely small quantities.(Photo: Marta Kolanowska).

The team found only one population of about 30 orchids scattered along the border between Putumayo and Nariño. Due to very small numbers, this orchid species can be included in the list of Critically Endangered Species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List."We hope that rebuilding a nearby road will not negatively affect T.diabolicus' living environment , " the study authors shared.