A few XTBG young research fellows found a new orchid species. They described and illustrated Gastrodia albidoides (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae, Gastrodieae) from Yunnan, China.

The new species is closely related to G. theana and G. albida but can be distinguished by an almost smooth perianth tube, lateral sepals fused to ½ their length, whitish and unthickened petals, a well-developed rostellum and distinct column foot.
They have published the new species in Phytotaxa 66: 38–42 (2012).

Here are a few pictures of the new species:

Gastrodia albidoides (from the type locality)

Flowering individual  (Images by Tan Yunhong)