Bulbophyllum arunachalense

Bulbophyllum arunachalense is a species of critically endangered orchid found only in Arunachal Pradesh in India. It was initially described as Ione arunachalense by Nageswara Rao and later moved to the genus ''Bulbophyllum.''

Description

This orchid is epiphytic herb like orchid with small one leaf and one flower. The single leaf is about 3 cm and oblong. The flower is crimson colored and 2 cm long. The lip is 1 cm long. It can be differentiated by similar looking Bulbophyllum minutius found in Thailand by petioled leaves and single flower inflorescence.

Distribution

This species of orchid is restricted to Talle valley in Arunachal Pradesh with no further records from anywhere else as of 2022.

Ecology

This epiphytic orchid was found growing on tree trunks inside the wet evergreen subtropical forests of Talle valley at an altitude of 1200 to 1400 meters. It flowers in June.

Etymology

This species was named after the type specimen of the species, the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Conservation and threats

As per 2022 IUCN assessment, this species has a very narrow distribution range with hardly any information beyond the known location. Habitat degradation and forest product extraction are the threats to this species.