Written by:
peru.travel
Monday, January 29, 2024
Yanachaga Chemillén National Park, in the Pasco region, is the scenario for an amazing discovery that has captivated botany enthusiasts: a new species of orchid. This was reported by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State (Sernanp, as its initials in Spanish).
Thanks to this discovery, Peru solidifies itself more than ever as one of the places in the world with the greatest variety of orchids and reinforces the need to continue exploring and preserving its natural treasures.
The name of the new botanical treasure
This new species has been baptized as Brachionidium montieliae L. Valenz and belongs to the genus Brachionidium. It was found at an impressive altitude of 3590 meters above sea level, on one of the highest mountains in the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve.
Its flowering period is from July to August, and one of its most captivating features is its beautiful violet color. This intense and vibrant color adds a touch of magic to the region's biodiversity, further consolidating the importance of conserving these botanical treasures for future generations.
Its home is the sclerophyllous forest, a region characterized by its rich diversity of low-statured shrub and tree species. It is worth noting that the Brachionidium genus is not unfamiliar in the region, as it comprises a total of 84 species, of which 29 are recorded in Peru.
A luxurious expedition
Biologist Luis Valenzuela, a member of the scientific team at the Missouri Botanical Garden in the United States, led the botanical exploration trip that led to the discovery of this new orchid species.
Valenzuela studied it in detail, and by the end of 2023, he shared his findings in the renowned international orchidology journal Lankesteriana, where Brachionidium montieliae L. Valenz was officially described as a unique species.
Insect in the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park. Credit: Walter Silvera / PromPerú.
Yanachaga Chemillén National Park
It covers 122 000 hectares and is considered a biodiversity treasure. The discovery of the new orchid species highlights the importance of conservation in places like this, which not only host known species but also botanical surprises that enrich the inventory of local flora.
This exciting discovery not only highlights the beauty of Peruvian flora but also show the need to continue exploring and protecting the country's natural ecosystems. Brachionidium montieliae L. Valenz joins the list of botanical treasures of Peru, consolidating its position as one of the countries with the greatest orchid diversity in the world. Do not hesitate any longer and explore this wonder full of color and uniqueness.
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