Recently, a scientific research and monitoring team at Dinghushan National Nature Reserve discovered and photographed a cluster of crystal-like, pure white orchids for the first time. The species was identified as Epipogium roseum (literally known in Chinese as the "tiger tongue orchid").
Belonging to the genus Epipogium in the Orchidaceae family, the plant typically grows 15 to 45 centimeters tall. Its Chinese name is derived from petals that resemble a tiger's tongue. Translucent and almost glass-like in appearance, the species has an extremely short above-ground life cycle, with its above-ground parts withering within about two weeks. It remains underground for most of the year, earning it the nickname "ghost orchid."
Epipogium roseum is a saprophytic plant that lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, it depends on symbiotic relationships with specific fungi, deriving nutrients from decaying organic matter. This highly specialized survival strategy makes it extremely sensitive to environmental conditions and a valuable indicator of ecosystem health.
In Guangdong Province, Epipogium roseum is rarely seen in the wild, with only small, scattered populations recorded. As China's first national nature reserve, Dinghushan National Nature Reserve is home to a well-preserved ecosystem that provides vital support for the survival and reproduction of diverse plant and animal species.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Guangdong Keji Toutiao
