Eulophia obtusa (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Cymbideae) an addition to the flora of Bangladesh, with notes on its ecology and conservation status

Abstract

Little published information exists about Eulophia obtusa, a showy and distinctive species previously recorded from North India and Nepal. It is here reported from Bangladesh for the first time. The population occurring in Bangladesh may represent a distinct colour form, with pure white instead of bright yellow sepals and petals as in previous records. A species growing in seasonally waterlogged grassland, its only known site in Bangladesh has already been destroyed for agricultural development. No reliable data on its present day occurrence in India and Nepal could be obtained. However, the most recent of only three collections in the Kew Herbarium dates from 1902, which suggests that it is quite a rare species. It must be assessed as critically endangered (CR) in Bangladesh, according to the IUCN Red Listing criteria.