Rare orchids have bloomed in Pu Luong special-use forest.

Rare orchid branches named pink jade orchid, belonging to the orchid genus - one of the most valuable medicinal orchid groups in Asia - have bloomed in Pu Luong special-use forest, Thanh Hoa province.

Pink orchid branch blooming in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa province - Photo: Provided by Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board

According to the Management Board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa province, during field surveys from 2024 and 2025, implementing the scientific research topic of the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center, a group of Vietnamese and Russian scientists have just discovered a rare orchid species in Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

It is the pink jade orchid (scientific name is Anoectochilus roxburghii ) belonging to the orchid genus - one of the most valuable medicinal orchid groups in Asia.

The pink jade orchid with its outstanding form of dark green leaves, beautiful metallic veins, not only has aesthetic value but is also highly appreciated in traditional medicine.

Young pink jade orchid tree in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa province - Photo: Provided by Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board

Research by scientists shows that this orchid species contains many valuable biological compounds such as kinsenoside, flavonoid, polysaccharide... which have the ability to support the treatment of diabetes, hepatitis, and immune disorders.

In Vietnam, this orchid species is scattered in some high mountainous areas with humid climates such as Nghe An, Lang Son, Lam Dong ...

The recognition of the pink-colored orchid in Pu Luong Nature Reserve not only enriches the flora of the reserve, but also affirms the important ecological role of Pu Luong in maintaining the biodiversity corridor between the Northwest and North Central regions.

Mature pink orchid tree in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa province - Photo: Provided by Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board

According to researchers, the pink jade orchid is facing a serious risk of decline due to forest degradation and climate change.

This flower species has been classified as critically endangered in the Vietnam Red Book 2024 and is included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention, requiring strict control in international trade.

Currently, conservation in nature reserves and propagation of this rare orchid species is limited and faces many difficulties.

Therefore, scientists and management agencies need to step up investigation and assessment of population size; build conservation models, and combine community livelihood development to preserve and develop this rare orchid species.

Pink jade orchid in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa province - Photo: Provided by Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board

Enriching the flora in Pu Luong

Mr. Le Thanh Huu - Deputy Director of Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board - said that during the survey of plants in the Khuyen stream area, Co Lung commune, the trail to Pu Luong peak, Thanh Son commune, Son Ba Muoi area, Lung Cao commune with altitudes from 200m to 1,650m in the reserve, scientists recorded about 40 species of plants in the flowering and fruiting state.

Among many orchid species, the pink jade orchid has just been discovered, enriching the precious flora in Pu Luong.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve has a total area of ​​16,986 hectares, located in 5 highland communes of Thanh Hoa province including: Pu Luong, Co Lung, Hoi Xuan, Phu Xuan, Phu Le.

In this nature reserve, there are 908 animal species and 1,597 plant species. This is also the place that has been developing the most mountain and forest ecotourism industry in Thanh Hoa province with the brand name "Pu Luong".

HA DONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hoa-lan-quy-hiem-da-no-tren-rung-dac-dung-pu-luong-2025111717395212.htm