A rare species of leafless orchid has been discovered in Ru Linh forest of the Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province. 

Researchers from the Central Region Institute of Scientific Research and Quang Tri province’s Forest Protection Department, who found the orchid, said it has the scientific name Erythrorchis ochobiensis Garay and belongs to the Orchid family (Orchidaceae).

This type of orchid is characterized by underground roots, saprophytes, and no leaves. Globally only three orchid species in that genus have been found, in India, Indochina and tropical forests from Asia to Australia.

Particularly, two species including Erythrorchis altissima (Blume) Blume and  Erythrorchis ochobiensis (Hayata) Garay were discovered in Vietnam. Vietnamese and foreign researchers found these species in Quang Binh, Ninh Thuan, and in Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri province.

This saprophytic leafless orchid only lives in a natural environment with fungal parasites, and is not suitable for planting or transplanting, according to researchers.

Source: VOV5