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Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis is a species of orchid endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia.[1] The specific epithet mentawaiensis refers to the Mentawai islands of West Sumatra.

Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis
flower detail
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Genus:	Phalaenopsis
Species:	P. mentawaiensis
Binomial name
Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis O.Gruss
distribution of Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis
Synonyms
Phalaenopsis violacea var. mentawei

Description

This species is a small-sized, hot-growing epiphyte with 15-50 cm long, inclined to erect, branched or unbranched inflorescences. They produce slightly fragrant flowers of similar floral fragrance to Phalaenopsis violacea.[2] The flowers are larger and more full in shape, which approach those of Phalaenopsis bellina. Some forms have green tipped sepals and petals.[3]

Ecology

This species occurs on tall trees in elevations of 0-100 m above sea level.[2]

Taxonomy

This species was formerly identified as Phalaenopsis violacea var. mentawai. It was separated from Phalaenopsis violacea in 2014 by Olaf Gruss.
The genetic evidence allows a distinction of Phalaenopsis violacea and Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis. However, it does not support a distinction of Phalaenopsis violacea and Phalaenopsis bellina.[4] All three taxa were formerly included in Phalaenopsis violacea sensu lato.

Conservation

International trade is regulated through the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.[5]

References

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