Chiloschista quangdangii, a new leafless orchid (Orchidaceae) from northern Vietnam

Abstract

A newly discovered species belonging to the genus Chiloschista has been found in the Northern region of Vietnam, specifically in Ha Giang Province. This species is being described as a novel addition to scientific knowledge. It shares similarities in plant habit and flower color scheme with C. parishii and C. glabrisepala. However, it can be distinguished by its narrowly saccate spur-like lip, which features a small knob-like farinose callus that is significantly smaller than the median lip lobe. In contrast, C. parishii and C. glabrisepala possess a cup-shaped lip with a large central callus slightly forward curved, which is shortly hairy and approximately the same size as or larger than the median lobe. The taxonomic description of the new species, along with information regarding its distribution, ecology, phenology, proposed conservation status, and taxonomic notes, are presented in detail.