Scientists discover two new orchid species in Japan

On the island of Okinawa (April 10th) scientists have found and identified two new orchid species. The two new described orchid species are parasitic plants, they get their nutrients from fungi so there is no need for photosynthesis. Both the new species belong to the Orchidaceae family, genus Gastrodia, and were named G. nipponicoides and G. okinawensis, you can find more information on these two orchids in the Phytotaxa journal.

Gastrodia nipponicoides, a parasite plant, is one of two new species of orchid found in Japan. Photo by Kobe University

Gastrodia okinawensis, a parasite plant, is one of two new species of orchid found in Japan. Photo by Kobe University