Exotic and Rare, New Orchid Species Emerges in Semeru Forest

JAKARTA - The discovery of new orchid species is always exciting news in the world of biodiversity. In addition to adding to the list of flora wealth, this finding also shows that Indonesia's forest ecosystem still holds many potential that have not been fully revealed.

Orchids, as one of the plants with high diversity, often become an important indicator of the health of a natural habitat.

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) has identified two new orchid species on the south slope of Mount Semeru, namely Gastrodia selabintanensis and Gastrodia biruensis.

The Coordinator of the Forest Ecosystem Management of the TNBTS Headquarters, Toni Artaka, in Malang, East Java, explained that the two species were found in early January 2026 by officers who were conducting patrols and biodiversity data collection.

"Gastrodia selabintanensis and Gastrodia blueensis were both found in early January 2026 on the south slope of Mount Semeru. Both are new findings in TNBTS that have never been recorded before," he said, as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, March 27.

Both orchids were found in similar habitats, namely shady areas with thick humus layers and moist conditions, at an altitude of between 1,000 to 1,200 meters above sea level.

Even though they are in the same environment, the two have different morphological characteristics. Gastrodia selabintanensis has a flower stalk 15-25 centimeters long with two to four flowers. The petals are greenish brown with a rough texture and speckles.

The crown of flowers of this species is about four centimeters in size, with a yellowish white color.

Meanwhile, Gastrodia blueensis has a longer flower stalk, namely 18-32 centimeters, with three to five flower buds. The petals are yellowish brown with a finer texture.

The size of the crown of this species ranges from four to six centimeters, with a width of about four to five centimeters, and a white color combined with orange.

Until now, the TNBTS has not yet determined the local name for the two orchid species.

This discovery adds to the number of flora collections in the TNBTS area, which is now recorded to have about 309 orchid species.

Toni emphasized that his party continues to make various conservation efforts to maintain the sustainability of orchid habitats, especially for this newly discovered species.

"These two types are included in mycoheterotrophic plants whose growth is very dependent on habitat conditions, so it is difficult to cultivate outside its natural environment. We also map the distribution by identifying other locations during the flowering season," he explained.