New orchid species discovered in Koslanda

Disna MUDALIGE

A new and rare orchid species was recorded from Koslanda by True Nature Conservation Society director Ajantha Palihawadena during his latest research. This species has been identified as Nervilia Plicata.

With this addition, the number of orchid species found in Sri Lanka now is 189. Among them, 69 are endemic to the country. In his extensive research, this orchid variety had been recorded also in Ravana Ella and Balangoda.

"Orchids which belong to Nervilia genus contain only one leaf. Even the flowers and leaf do not grow together but at two different times. Therefore the identification of various species within this genus is difficult and consumes a long time," he said. Palihawadana said that several misidentified and incomplete samples of this variety could be observed in the Peradeniya herbarium as well.

However for the first time, now a complete sample has been deposited in the herbarium.

The leaf of the Nervilia Plicata is heart shaped and the width ranges between 7.7cm and 10.8cm. The length ranges between 7.5cm and 11.1cm. The leaf is usually hairy and glued to the ground. It is either dark green or dark purple depending on the exposure to light.

Usually this variety contains two flowers. Flowers are fragrant and can be either green or purple. Flowers bloom during April to May. When in full bloom, the diameter is about 6cm and last only for about four to five days.

This species can be detected in the intermediate zone at a height of about 700m to 1,000m.