Two rare orchids were discovered in Phu Quoc

On August 13, the Wildlife At Risk (WAR) said two more rare species of orchids were recorded in Phu Quoc. It is a beautiful species of Cyanophyta (scientific name: Malaxis calophylla) and a mountain species (scientific name is Aphyllorchis Montana).

This is the first time in Vietnam, botanical experts recorded about the beautiful leaf orchid (Malaxis calophylla). Meanwhile, for the mountain species (Aphyllorchis Montana), according to experts' information, the field research data is insufficient to assess the current status of the species.

Each new orchid species, experts only detect a single plant sample, so they need to be protected.

In a previous survey in May 2007, a rare species of orchid (Lan Van Hai), Paphiopedilum callosum, was recorded in Phu Quoc National Park, one of the first records of the the face of the orchid species on the island.

This is the first time in Vietnam, botanical experts recorded about the beautiful leaf orchid (Malaxis calophylla).- (Photo: Vu Khoi)

In the three most recently recorded orchid species, the beautiful Ai Lan species was first recorded in Vietnam, the Van Hai orchid species is being strongly exploited in other parts of the country and the conservation status of all three species is is seriously threatened.

These surveys are part of a larger conservation program being implemented by WAR with Phu Quoc National Park since early 2007. The main purpose is to protect the island's rich natural resources, one of Important part of biodiversity in Vietnam.

According to botanists, the three recent records of orchids in Phu Quoc are just the "floating part" of a piece of information about Phu Quoc flora.

The mountain flower.(Photo: Vu Khoi)

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