Porpax heiligenthalii (Eb.Fisch., Killmann, J.-P.Lebel & Delep.) Schuit., Y.P.Ng & H.A.Pedersen, Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 186: 199 (2018).
Homotypic Names:
Stolzia heiligenthalii Eb.Fisch., Killmann, J.-P.Lebel & Delep., Orchidee (Hamburg) 62: 183 (2011).
Description:
Epiphytic orchid forming dense mats of prostrate stems. Pseudobulbs elongated, not or only swollen towards apex, 0.4-0.5 x 0.2-0.35 cm, with 2 leaves. Leaves succulent, elliptic-ovate, rounded, up to 2.3 cm long and 0.8-1.4 cm wide. Inflorescence terminal, with 1 flower on short peduncle, bract 0.18-0.2 cm long, not covering ovary. Flower deep red, up to 0.7-0.9 cm long, usually fully opening, sepals and petals succulent, densely papillose on inner surface, dorsal sepal concave, obtuse, 0.9 x 0.45 cm, lateral sepals united for 1/3 at base, 0.6 x 0.35-0.4 cm, petals oblong-elliptic, papillose, 0.6 x 0.4 cm, lip recurved, lanceolate, acute, 0.35 x 0.2 cm, margin not undulate.
Etymology:
This species is dedicated to the president of the University of Koblenz-Landau, Prof Dr Roman HEILIGENTHAL, for his support of rainforest conservation in Rwanda.
Habitat:
Montane rainforest, 1800 m, epiphyte in the canopy of large Newtonia buchanani-trees.
Flowering season:
December.
Distribution:
Rwanda
References:
TAXONOMISCHE MITTEILUNGEN Die Orchidee 62(3), 2011 Stolzia heiligenthalii and Stolzia kalkhof-roseae, two new species from Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Images:
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