April 10 (UPI) — Researchers in Japan have identified two new orchid species on the island of Okinawa. Scientists described the new species, Gastrodia nipponicoides and Gastrodia okinawensis, in the journal Phytotaxa.
The orchids species are parasitic plants called mycoheterotrophs, which steal their nutrients from host fungi — no photosynthesis necessary. Mycoheterotrophs can only thrive in extremely fertile forests, where plant food is abundant and theft is tolerated.
Mycoheterotrophs are elusive, as they usually only appear above ground when they are flowering. For this reason, the small, burrowing parasite plants are hard to find. It is also the reason why many species remain unclassified.
Both of the new species belong to the Orchidaceae family, and both are related to the species Gastrodia nipponica. Subtle differences in the “lips” of the orchids’ petals as well as their columns, an organ fusing the plants’ male and female parts, helped scientists distinguish the two new species.
Last year, the Yanbaru forests, where the two species were found, were designated as Yanbaru National Park. As a result, the rich forest habitat gained critical protections.
