Jakarta — Indonesian researchers have identified a new species of leafless orchid, Chiloschista tjiasmantoi, endemic to the highlands of Aceh, northern Sumatra, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) announced at the end of March. The discovery marks the first official record of the Chiloschista genus on the island and highlights the region’s still-unfolding botanical diversity.
BRIN scientist Destario Metusala said the orchid was found during a 2019 botanical survey. It grows epiphytically on old tree trunks in semi-open, humid, and breezy habitats at elevations of 700–1000 meters above sea level. Its leafless form and camouflage-like roots make it difficult to spot—until its bright yellow flowers bloom, often mid-year and again from November to December.
“This new species of orchid has evolved uniquely by reducing its leaf organs to the extreme so that important physiological processes such as photosynthesis are carried out on its root organs. This uniqueness opens up opportunities for further research to investigate various aspects of its biology,” said Destario.
Though it resembles Chiloschista javanica from Java, the new species features distinct oblong-obovate petals and a unique lip structure. It can produce up to 30 simultaneous blooms on a single flowering stalk. Its physiological adaptation—performing photosynthesis entirely through its roots—offers a unique opportunity for further research on orchid evolution.
Named in honor of environmental philanthropist Wewin Tjiasmanto, C. tjiasmantoi is classified as Endangered according to the IUCN Redlist, due to its limited range and threats from plantation expansion and climate change. Researchers stress the need to expand protected areas in Aceh to safeguard this and other rare species.
The full scientific description has been published in the international journal PhytoKeys (DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.252.138190). (nsh)
Banner photo: Image generated by OpenAI’s DALL·E via ChatGPT (2024)
