Two New Orchid Species Recorded on Mount Semeru in Historic Breakthrough for Java

RRI.CO.ID, Malang - The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Center has officially documented two newly recorded orchid species on the slopes of Mount Semeru, East Java, marking a groundbreaking botanical discovery for both Java and Indonesia.

Following an exhaustive verification and academic publishing process, the two plants have been formally identified as Anoectochilus papuanus and Acanthophippium bicolor. The discovery adds significant value to the rich biodiversity of the conservation area.

The breakthrough follows years of meticulous field tracking and research. TNBTS Forest Ecosystem Management Coordinator Toni Artaka revealed that Anoectochilus papuanus was first located in 2022, while Acanthophippium bicolor was found in 2023. Both species were discovered thriving on the southern slopes of Mount Semeru at elevations ranging between 800 and 1,100 meters above sea level.

"From discovery to submission to a scientific journal, it takes about one to two years, and then the scientific publication process takes almost two years. The discovery of these two orchid species is a new record for Java and Indonesia," Toni said in Malang on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The long validation timeline underscores the scientific rigor required to confirm new regional records. Morphological observations show that Anoectochilus papuanus features distinct veined leaves measuring roughly 2 to 5 centimeters, with a flower height of approximately 12 centimeters. The blossoms display a striking blend of maroon and transparent white, completely covered in fine, delicate hairs.

In contrast, Acanthophippium bicolor is a much larger plant, standing around 60 centimeters tall from the base to the tips of its leaves. It features two vibrant green leaves that persist throughout the year.

"The pseudo-bulbs are up to 20 centimeters long and grow in clumps. The flowers are up to four centimeters in diameter, shaped like pitchers, and are bright red with a pale-yellow tinge," Toni explained.

The presence of these orchids on Mount Semeru represents a massive geographical leap from their previously known habitats. Anoectochilus papuanus was formerly understood to be distributed only from Papua to the Solomon Islands. Meanwhile, Acanthophippium bicolor was previously known to grow only in India and Sri Lanka.

Globally, Anoectochilus papuanus is classified under the Jewel Orchids group, whereas Acanthophippium bicolor belongs to the Jug Orchids family. Neither plant has been given a local Indonesian name yet.

According to Toni, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) global red list currently classifies both Acanthophippium bicolor and Anoectochilus papuanus as not evaluated.

Initial field assessments indicate that both species are exceptionally rare and difficult to spot within their natural habitats on the volcano. However, park officials noted that a more specific and official conservation status for the orchids within Indonesia still requires further confirmation from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). ***