A new type of orchid with delicate flowers like glass has been discovered by Japanese scientists, who discovered a pink and white plant hiding in the open.
Despite its presence in parks and gardens in Japan, it took researchers at Kobe University ten years to prove that the plant – called Spiranthes hachijoensis – was a previously unknown species.
“It was amazing to find a new kind of Spirantheswhich is so common that you can see it in parks, gardens, and among cooking plants,” lead researcher Kenji Suetsugu told AFP on Thursday.
Some of the samples were “from plants and gardens”, including those kept at a high school in central Japan’s Gifu region, the phytology professor said.
“Due to its interesting shape and beautiful glass-like flowers, this flower has become a favorite among people,” the university said in a press release.
The plant, with its round flowers, is also mentioned in the oldest Japanese poem, dating back to the 8th century. Manure.
The availability of a new version of Spirantheswhich is sometimes known as “ladies’ tresses”, was announced last week in the Journal of Plant Research.
It was given the name “hachijoensis” because many specimens were found on the Tokyo island of Hachijojima.
© Agence France-Presse
