Phalaenopsis modesta

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Phalaenopsis modesta
flower detail
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Phalaenopsis
Species:
P. modesta
Binomial name
Phalaenopsis modesta
J.J.Sm.
distribution of Phalaenopsis modesta
Synonyms
  • Phalaenopsis modesta f. alba O.Gruss & Roeth
  • Polychilos modesta (J.J.Sm.) Shim
  • Phalaenopsis modesta subsp. sabahensis Fowlie nom. nud., ex icon.
  • Phalaenopsis modesta var. bella Gruss & Röllke

Phalaenopsis modesta is a species of orchid endemic to Borneo.[1] The specific epithet modesta, from the Latin modestus, means unassuming, moderate or modest.[2]

Phalaenopsis modesta in situ

Description[edit]

This epiphytic species is usually found at the base of the phorophytes. The plants have 1–4 elliptic-obovate, glossy, 23 cm long and 6 cm wide leaves. Fragrant, white flowers with purple transverse barring are produced on pendent, branched or unbranched inflorescences. The labellum lacks trichomes. Flowering occurs from September to November and from May to June.[3]

Ecology[edit]

Phalaenopsis modesta occurs at elevations of 50–900 m above sea level.[3]

Taxonomy[edit]

The variety Phalaenopsis modesta var. bella Gruss & Röllke is suspected of being a hybrid of Phalaenopsis javanica and Phalaenopsis modesta.[3]
Phalaenopsis modesta is said to be closely related to Phalaenopsis violacea based on floral characteristics.[4] This is not supported by genetic evidence.[5]

Conservation[edit]

This species has been categorized as vulnerable (V)[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Phalaenopsis modesta J.J.Sm. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". powo.science.kew.org. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  2. ^ "modestus". Latin dictionaries. Latinitium. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Christenson, Eric A. (2001). Phalaenopsis : a monograph. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. pp. 145–148. ISBN 1604691719.
  4. ^ Aziz, S. A., & Sukma, D. (2014). Karakterisasi Morfologi Anggrek Phalaenopsis spp. Spesies Asli Indonesia. Buletin Agrohorti, 2(1), 86–94.
  5. ^ Tsai, Chi-Chu. (2011). Molecular Phylogeny and Biogeography of Phalaenopsis Species. Orchid Biotechnology II. 1-24. 10.1142/9789814327930_0001.
  6. ^ Lamb, A. (1992). Orchid conservation in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo): a list of species of botanical and horticultural importance and interest and their conservation status. Botanic Gardens Conservation News, 1(10), 44–47. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24755392