Liparis pingxiangensis

Liparis pingxiangensis is a species of orchid discovered in 2013 in Guangxi, China.[2]

Liparis pingxiangensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Subtribe: Malaxidinae
Genus: Liparis
Species:
L. pingxiangensis
Binomial name
Liparis pingxiangensis

Description

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It is differentiated from closely related species by its strongly curved column without column wings and its broadly rhombic-elliptic lip with 2 uncinate calli at the base. It also has two pollinia attached by long and prominent caudicles (not stipes), to a distinct sticky disc.[2]

Distribution, habitat, and ecology

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Liparis pingxiangensis is a terrestrial orchid. It forms scattered colonies in shady, damp ravines. It occurs in wet to moist soil on steeper slopes. It is found at elevations around 800 m (2,600 ft) in mixed deciduous forest in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It flowers in the early spring until late April. It has not been observed in fruit.[2]

Conservation status

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Liparis pingxiangensis is a rare species occurs in a rather small population (no more than 10 individuals). It is only known from the type collection and a neighboring population. The forest has been experiencing a continuing decline in quality of habitat due to deforestation. Using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categories and criteria, L. pingxiangensis should be treated as critically endangered due to its rarity and the threat of disturbance. More studies at the two nearby localities may shed light on this enigmatic species.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Liparis pingxiangensis". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  2. ^ a b c d Li, L; Yan, H (2013). "A Remarkable New Species of Liparis (Orchidaceae) from China and Its Phylogenetic Implications". PLOS ONE. 8 (11): e78112. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...878112L. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0078112. PMC 3827247. PMID 24236013.