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The types of orchids in Indonesia and their species diversity are interesting to understand. Photo: Wikipedia
JAKARTA – Orchids are one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world, and Indonesia has more than 1,300 species of orchids spread across various islands and habitats.
Because Indonesia is a country rich in biodiversity, including orchid diversity. So, here are several types of orchids in Indonesia based on their species and their amazing distribution. Here’s the list:
1. Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis)
The Moon Orchid is one of the most iconic orchids in Indonesia. This species is Indonesia’s national orchid and is found throughout the Indonesian archipelago, especially on the island of Java.
This orchid has large and beautiful flowers in white and light purple. They are often found in tropical forests, especially on large trees.
2. Black Orchid (Coelogyne pandurata)
Black Orchid is an orchid endemic to Indonesia found on the island of Sumatra. Its scientific name is Coelogyne pandurata. This orchid is known for its large, brown flowers and unique aroma. They often grow in dense forests at altitudes of around 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level.
3. Anggrek Tebu (Dendrobium crumenatum)
Sugarcane orchids, also known as “coconut orchids,” are epiphytic orchids that are widespread in Indonesia. They are often found in coconut trees, as well as in lowland forests. This orchid has small white or pale yellow flowers and is famous for its sweet aroma similar to cane sugar.
4. Ghost Orchid (Epipogium aphyllum)
The Ghost Orchid is one of the rare orchids in Indonesia. They are ground orchids, which means they do not photosynthesize and depend on fungi to survive. Ghost Orchids have a white or pale purple color and grow in dense forests on several Indonesian islands, including Sumatra and Kalimantan.
5. Anggrek Harimau (Grammatophyllum speciosum
The Tiger Orchid is one of the largest orchids in the world and is known as the “tiger orchid” because of its motif which is similar to tiger skin. They grow on large trees in lowland forests and rainforests on Kalimantan, Sumatra, and other islands in Indonesia.
6. Anggrek Kupu-Kupu (Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi)
The Butterfly Orchid, also known as the “deer antler orchid,” is an orchid found in lowland and mountain forests on various Indonesian islands. They have unique flowers with a brownish red color and are often found on trees.
7. Swan Orchid (Vanda tricolor)
The Goose Orchid is a rare and endangered orchid in Indonesia. They are found on the islands of Java and Bali. This orchid gets its name from its white flowers that resemble the heads of swans. This orchid is considered a threatened species due to habitat destruction and poaching.
8. Finger Moon Orchid (Paphiopedilum armeniacum)
The Finger Moon Orchid is an orchid found in mountain forests on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. They have flowers with a unique shape and golden yellow color. This orchid is mainly found at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level.
9. Tongue Orchid (Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis)
The Tongue Orchid is an orchid found in lowland and mountain forests on various Indonesian islands. They are known for their small brown flowers and tongue-like shape. This orchid has various species that are widespread throughout Indonesia.
10. Whale Orchid (Orchis graminifolia)
The Whale Orchid is a terrestrial orchid found in forested areas on several Indonesian islands, including Sumatra and Kalimantan. They have white flowers and are often found near waterfalls or rivers in rainforests.
The diversity of orchids in Indonesia is impressive, and the descriptions above are just a few examples of the thousands of species that exist.
Orchids in Indonesia grow in various habitats, from rainforests to lowlands, mountains and remote islands.
However, it is important to remember that many orchid species in Indonesia are currently threatened with extinction due to climate change, deforestation and illegal trade. Action is needed to maintain and preserve this extraordinary diversity of orchids for future generations.
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