New ‘glass-like’ orchid species discovered in Japan | Business

The Spiranthes hachijoensis orchid.

• A new species of orchid with delicate, glass-like blooms has been discovered by Japanese scientists.
• It took researchers at Kobe University a decade to confirm the pink and white plant was a previously unknown species.
• The flower is found in Japan’s parks and gardens, and its blooms resemble glasswork.
• For climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future.

A new species of orchid with delicate, glass-like blooms has been discovered by Japanese scientists, who found the pink and white plant hiding in plain sight.

Despite its presence in Japan’s parks and gardens, it took researchers at Kobe University a decade to confirm that the plant – dubbed the “Spiranthes hachijoensis” – was a previously unknown species.

“It was a surprise to discover a new species of spiranthes, which is so common that you can see it in parks, gardens and among potted plants,” lead researcher Kenji Suetsugu told AFP Thursday.

Spiranthes hachijoensis orchid.

Supplied Masayuki Ishibashi

Some of the samples were “from potted plants and gardens”, including ones kept at a high school in Japan’s central Gifu region, the phytology professor said.

“From its curious look and dainty blooms that resemble glasswork, this flower has long been loved by people,” the university said in a press release.

The plant, with its spiralling blossoms, was even mentioned in Japan’s oldest anthology of poems, the eighth-century “Manyoshu”.

The discovery of the new type of spiranthes, sometimes known as “ladies’ tresses”, was announced last week in the Journal of Plant Research. It was given the name “hachijoensis” because many samples were found on Tokyo’s Hachijojima island.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred

In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.