By tf-lawyer.com On October 14, I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from the Sichuan Wolong National Nature Reserve Management Bureau regarding an exciting discovery made in the Wolong region. Researchers announced the identification of a new species of orchid, named Gastrochilus balangshanensis, commonly referred to as Balang Mountain Pouched Orchid. This finding adds to the growing list of endemic species in the area, as it marks the tenth new species identified and published by this research team within the giant panda national park’s Sichuan Wolong section.
Dr. Cheng Yuehong, one of the leading researchers in this study, recounted the journey of identifying this new species. “In March 2023, during our exploration of the mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest along the eastern slopes of Balang Mountain, we came across this epiphytic orchid,” he explained. After more than a year of thorough investigation, which included observing its growth in its natural habitat and collecting samples during its flowering and fruiting phases, collaboration with Dr. Xu Bo’s team from the Chengdu Institute of Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences allowed for a detailed examination of this species.
“We conducted ongoing observations, consulted relevant literature, compared specimens of similar species, and performed molecular phylogenetic studies. Ultimately, we confirmed that this is a new species within the Pouched Orchid genus, named after its type locality in the Balang Mountain area of the Wolong section,” Dr. Cheng shared.
The Balang Mountain Pouched Orchid is a perennial herb that attaches itself to the trunks of trees at elevations between 2,100 to 2,300 meters. It typically blooms in April and May, with fruiting occurring between August and September, and it’s not uncommon to see flowers and fruits on the plant simultaneously. Nonetheless, the research team highlights the rarity of this orchid, having only identified two populations so far. Further surveys are needed to better understand its distribution, population size, and habitat, and to formulate appropriate conservation strategies.
Dr. Xu emphasized the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region. “Over the past 60 years, sustained protection in Sichuan Wolong has effectively preserved many unique and rare plants. With greater emphasis on plant resource surveys in the giant panda national park, we are hopeful to uncover even more new plant species,” he remarked.
The research for this discovery received funding from several sources, including the 2024 Central Fiscal Fund for Rare and Endangered Species Rescue and Breeding, the Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Program, the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Biological Resources Program, and the Sichuan Province Wild Plant Sharing and Service Platform.
