Gastrochilus arunachalensis
Gastrochilus arunachalensis A.N.Rao
Gastrochilus arunachalensis is an epiphytic orchid species in the Orchidaceae family, native to the East Himalaya and Myanmar. Described by A.N.Rao in 1992, it features an erect stem with 3–4 leaves, and 1–4 inflorescences with 8–10 flowers. The flowers are yellow or yellow-green, marked with dark brown or purplish spots, and have distinct sepals, petals, and a uniquely structured lip. The fruit is cylindrical and ridged.
Description
Gastrochilus arunachalensis is an epiphytic herb with an erect stem 4.0 cm long and 1.0 cm in diameter, bearing 3–4 leaves. The leaves are oblong, 8.0–15.0 x 1.7–2.3 cm, with an obtuse, unequally 2-lobed apex. One to four inflorescences arise from the stem base, sub-umbellate, with 8–10 flowers. The peduncle is 1–2 cm long, stout, and sheathed. Flowers are yellow or yellow-green, with dark brown or purplish spots. Sepals are oblanceolate, 6.8–7.0 x 3.2–3.5 mm, and petals are 6.2–6.5 x 2.3–2.5 mm. The lip is divided into an epichile and a saccate hypochile, with the epichile triangular and fleshy, and the hypochile cupular. The column is 4 mm long, with a deeply 2-lobed rostellum, 2 pollinia, and a subglobose anther cap. The fruit is cylindrical, ridged, 5–6 cm long, and 1.2–1.4 cm in diameter.
Distribution
East Himalaya · Myanmar
