LIFESTYLE
BRIN Discovers New Orchid Species Aerides Obyrneana Endemic to Indonesia
Tiger's Nail orchid. (BRIN)
SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Researchers at the Biosystematics and Evolution Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have announced the discovery of a new orchid species endemic to Sulawesi Island. The orchid, known locally as the Tiger's Nail Orchid, was identified by BRIN researcher Destario Metusala.
In May 2024, Destario officially published the orchid in the Edinburgh Journal of Botany as a new species, naming it Aerides obyrneana in honor of the late orchid enthusiast Peter O'Byrne.
The Tiger's Nail Orchid is characterized by its unique, twisted cone shape with a pointed tip, resembling a tiger's claw.
“This new species has an attractive flower with a rare color combination in its genus, with purplish-white sepals and petals with bright yellow-green flower lips,” Destario said.
Based on current assessments, the conservation status of this newly discovered species is proposed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Redlist.
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