New Orchid Species Found In Kalimantan

JAKARTA - The discovery of new orchid species has again confirmed Kalimantan's position as one of the world's biological diversity centers.

The unique orchid was found in an expedition activity carried out by a team from the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park Center (TNBBBR), and has been scientifically identified under the name Bulbophyllum dukyaeense, referring to the location of the discovery in the Bukit Raya area.

This finding was conveyed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) as part of the results of biodiversity exploration carried out in July 2024. The Head of the KLHK Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation Bureau, Krisdianto, stated that this discovery shows the great potential of Kalimantan in storing previously unidentified endemic plant species.

The success of this field team is very worthy of appreciation. Kalimantan still has a great opportunity to find other new species. Therefore, further exploration in this area is very important," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Bulbophyllum dukyaeense was found at an altitude of about 1,320 meters above sea level and was published in an international scientific journal on May 9, 2025. The orchid is included in the genus Bulbophyllum, known as one of the orchid groups with the largest number of species in the world of more than 2,000 species, with nearly 300 of them found in Kalimantan.

Morphologically, this species has similarities to the Bulbophyllum scamrum, especially in the shape of a wave-edged labellum or flower lip. However, there are unique characteristics that distinguish it, such as a longer size and shape of the labellum than its width, as well as a rough upper surface in one quarter of its parts. In addition, this flower ovaries is covered by a smooth and rough papalic-like structure.

This new species also bears a resemblance to the Ovalifolium Bulbophyllum, but is different in the form of a labellum that resembles a rocket and has a wavy lower edge approaching. The shape of the petals is oval and covered by a distinctive indicator, making it a unique species and deserves scientific recognition.

This discovery is clear evidence that tropical rainforest areas in Kalimantan still have extraordinary biological wealth. According to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, it is important to continue to preserve this ecosystem and support further research to uncover more natural resources that have not been revealed. This is not only important for conservation, but also to enrich knowledge of Indonesia's flora which is distinctive and of high value.