Ascochilus leytensis, philippines

[walingwaling]

Ron,very cute,I think this is another short live flower? Still can see the algae on the leaves,is it high or lowland species?

hi zain,
yes, it opens for a day only and probably grows from 500mtr-1000mtr altitude.
there is only 5 species known within south-east asia.

cheers for all comments!

[Tom-19951]

Thanks for the plant shot, Ron.

[walingwaling]

just an update here with better pix.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks for sharing the first photo of this orchid with us! So cool, Ron. The updated photos are outstanding!

Cheers,
BD

[trichoglottis]

I don't think this is Ascochilus leytensis. Ascochilus leytensis has shorter somewhat truncate sidelobes of the labellum. Also the apex of the middle lobe of the lip in lacking.

This plant has rather large rounded sidelobes and a small sharp apical lobe. From what I've researched, this plant is close to Ascochilus leytense, but may be a new species. Please pickle flowers in alcohol and glycerine and send it to a local botanist.

Timothy Choltco

[walingwaling]

hi timothy,
thanks for your input!
based on the type sheets and drawing it would match with the apical lobe, but as you pointed out, the side lobes appear smaller.
regardless, i can still preserve the next flowers.
have you seen live plants of this species or maybe related ones, plus pix?

[walingwaling]

Thanks for sharing the first photo of this orchid with us! So cool, Ron. The updated photos are outstanding!

Cheers,
BD

no worries and thanks bruce!

[trichoglottis]

Ron,

I have seen a few pictures of related species, but maybe one plant of an Ascochilus. I'll look through my photograph files. I may have a few there.

This is a very hard group to work with when the distinguishing characters are so tiny.

Tim

[walingwaling]

Ron,

I have seen a few pictures of related species, but maybe one plant of an Ascochilus. I'll look through my photograph files. I may have a few there.

This is a very hard group to work with when the distinguishing characters are so tiny.

Tim

thanks tim for helping out, pix would be great!

[pavel]

Cute little devil!

That last shot was awesome, Ron!