Scientists
say they have found almost 200 new species of orchids in the Eden Park tourist
forest in Sionggang village in Toba Samosir, North Sumatra.
A group led
by botanists and orchid experts Ria Telambanua and Michele Sirait has been
exploring the area for years.
“We’ve
successfully identified almost 200 species of forest orchids after almost four
years of research. We intentionally haven’t published any of them for the sake
of preservation,” Ria said on Sunday in Toba Samosir.
The
discovery of new orchid species was typically followed by large-scale
exploitation, she said.
The
researchers identified the new species by identifying morphological
differences, using orchid catalogues and by consulting with experts.
“This area
is an orchid paradise. It has extraordinary natural riches. There are thousands
more orchid species that have yet to be identified here,” she said as quoted by
Antara.
Ria and
Michele will launch a book on the new species late next month, Ria said, adding
that a portion of the profits would be donated to orchid experts.
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