Dear All, Dr. Pankaj Sahani sent me this photograph about 2 months back. This species is very close to Zeuxine nervosa, Z. stenophylla (not reported from India) and Z. glandulosa (except the leaves). I have been working on the 'Jewel Orchid' subtribe for last 7 years and also did my Ph.D. on the same. As per my experience, some species of Zeuxine, especially those have wide range of distribution, show high range of variation in foliar characteristics, no. of glands inside the hypochile, shape and size of labellum epichile etc. Z. nervosa is a highly variable species as it occurs in INDIA (Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Orissa, Sikkim, West Bengal); CHINA, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN, JAPAN, NEPAL, NEW GUINEA, SRI LANKA, TAIWAN, THAILAND, THE PHILLIPPINES, VIETNAM.
Therefore, it is requested to consult the above mention species (3 species, especially Z. nervosa) before drawing any conclusion. A clear illustration (habit, sepals, petals, lip, column, pollinarium) may be sent to me to identify the species correctly. In brief, I guess it is Z. nervosa. Thanking you. Sincerely yours, Avishek [Avishek Bhattacharjee, Ph.D.] Research Associate Central National Herbarium Botanical Survey of India A.J.C.B. Indian Botanic garden P.O.- B.Garden, Howrah -711 103 West Bengal, INDIA (Mobile: +91-9433171449) Website: www.avishekb.page4.me
