New orchid species discovered in Gelegphu

May 10, 2019

A new orchid species has been discovered in Gelegphu by a research team from the National Biodiversity Centre. Named in reference to the place where it was found, Chiloschista gelephuense, is currently found only in the area.

The species was collected in 2014 but it was concluded as a new species only this year.

The flowers are yellow with brown spots. The species was found growing on small trees near Gelephu hot spring. A few plants were then collected for cultivation at the Royal Botanic garden at Serbithang by a research team from the National Biodiversity Centre.

The identity of the plant turned out to be unknown until research concluded that it represented a new species. According to the National Biodiversity Centre, new species discoveries means that the biodiversity is high and the forest is healthy.

As of today, Bhutan has 485 orchid species in Bhutan including the new species.