Holcoglossum calcicola Schuit. & P.Bonnet 2009 is a newly discovered orchid species, found at the limestone hills in Laos.

Until now about 490 orchid species, endemic to Laos, been recorded and scientists mentioned, that´s probably just about half. From 2006 - 2008 several botanists from the National Herbarium of the Netherlands the French Agriculture Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and the National University of Laos been involved in a project (ORCHIS) about the trade and conservation of orchids in Laos. Holcoglossum calcicola is a lithophytic growing orchid species, the flowers reach a size of about 2,5 cm. Flowering period: April. We’re not sure, if the botanical name for that newly found orchid will last.

First of all, we think the Latin name is grammatically wrong, it should be Holcoglossum calcicolum. Secondly, the authors André Schuiteman and Pierre Bonnet mentioned that the orchid species can`t be clearly classified as a Holcoglossum. They wrote, that the plant shows characteristics of Holcoglossum and Brachycentron as well. Unfortunatly there is no accepted orchid genus Brachycentron known, but it seems certain, that the newly found orchid species belongs to the Vandeae tribe.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Holcoglossum calcicola Schuit. & P.Bonnet 2009
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee