Gastrochilus pechei

Gastrochilus pechei (Rchb.f.) Kuntze

Gastrochilus pechei is an epiphytic orchid species in the Orchidaceae family, native to Myanmar. It was first described in 1891. The plant has a short, thick stem with 4-5 leaves and produces yellow sepals and petals with a white, spotted lip. The lip is divided into an epichile and a saccate hypochile, with distinct morphological features such as a fleshy epichile and a subglobose hypochile. The column is short and stout, with two pollinia. The genus Gastrochilus is small and often confused with related taxa, particularly when not in bloom. Due to limited comprehensive studies, the orchid flora of Myanmar is likely underrepresented, and further research is expected to reveal more species.

Description

Gastrochilus pechei is an epiphytic herb with a stem of 1.0-1.5 cm in length and 4-5 leaves. The leaves are oblong, 15-20 x 3.5-4.5 cm, with an obtuse, unequally 2-lobed apex. The inflorescences are 1-4, sub-umbellate, with 4-6 flowers. The sepals and petals are yellow, densely spotted with purple, while the lip is white with yellow at the base. The epichile is subtriangular, fleshy, and has a central yellow blotch. The hypochile is subglobose, with five external ridges. The column is about 3 mm long, with a deeply 2-lobed rostellum and two pollinia. The genus Gastrochilus is taxonomically challenging, often confused with other Aeridinae members. Myanmar's orchid diversity is high but poorly documented, with many species likely misidentified or undiscovered. The region's biodiversity and proximity to other species-rich areas suggest further exploration may uncover additional Gastrochilus species.