Eulophia graminea, a terrestrial orchid native to subtropical and tropical Asia, has been detected in the open air of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) at an altitude of about 550 meters. The orchid was identified by Prof. Gao Jiangyun and a few young researchers.

　　 Its occurrence is noteworthy because the literature has recorded that Eulophia graminea is distributed at altitudes between 900-2100meters. In China, Eulophia graminea was reported from Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Anhui, Taiwan, Hongkong, Guizhou, and Yunnan.

　 It is the first time that Eulophia graminea is found naturalized in Xishuangbanna. XTBG scientists will conduct further studies on its phylogeny and ecology.

Flower of Eulophia graminea

A cluster of Eulophia graminea found on the lawns of XTBG 

(Images by Gao Jiangyun)