Conservation status of Paphiopedilum helenae Aver., a newly recorded orchid in China

Abstract

Paphiopedilum helenae Aver.,a newly recorded species of Orchidaceae from China,is reported. This species is characterized by having brightly yellow median sepals,orange ligulate or ligulate-spathulate petals with straight margin,brownish orange lip,and subcircular staminode. The populations are located on karst cliffs near peaks of hills at altitude of 690 to 730 m. The plants grow under the evergreen broad-leaved forest. More than sixteen orchid species are found growing with P. helenae. The soil around the roots of the orchids was measured as pH 7.2. The growth of plants and the development of flower buds were positively correlated with the tree cover. Based on our two-year observation,however,we found very few flowers and fruits in the populations of this species,which might be most affected by resource limitation and pollinator limitation. At present the woodlands in this area were protected well,but the orchid populations still face potential threat because of their high commercial values. We,therefore,suggest that the conservation of this newly recorded orchid should be valued greatly and immediately.