Neottia confusa

Neottia confusa is a critically endangered species of orchid endemic to Arunachal Pradesh in India.

Description

This is a terrestrial autotrophic orchid found growing up to 12 to 15.5 cms on forest floor. The stem is ridged while the leaves are sessile. The leaves are oval shaped and 8–12 mm long and 6–11 mm wide and rounded at apex. The flowering is racemose with 15 to 20 flowers. The flowers are greenish and 3 - 4 mm long. The lip of this orchid is 1.2–1.5 x 1 mm small and is simple, triangular and shows a minute claw while the epichile of the labellum is undivided.
It can be differentiated by other species of Neottia by the simple and small lip. It resembles Neottia taizanensis species, but can be differentiated by leaves being lower and smaller lip among other characteristics.

Distribution

This species of orchid was known to occur inside Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in the Upper [Siang district|Upper Siang] district of Arunachal Pradesh. Three small clusters each containing 10 to 15 mature individuals each were discovered in 2012.

Ecology

This orchid was found growing on the forest floor filled with moss in a temperate to sub-alpine zone forest at an altitude of 3200–3800 metres. It was found growing in the forest dominated by Rhododendron shrubs and Abies species of pine trees. It was seen along with Neottia acuminata species of orchid. It was found flowering between July and August.

Etymology

This orchid species displays a shorter lip contrasting from all other species of Neottia thus leading to its species name confusa from Latin that meant confusing characteristics.

Conservation and threats

Since the species is discovered inside a protected area it is relatively protected. However smaller population and restricted area of occurrence are the reasons for this species to be considered critically endangered. Collection and trading of this species is restricted as it is listed in Appendix-II of CITES.