Jewel Orchid

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Jewel Orchid
• Koshun Anoectochilus

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Odontochilus koshunensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Orchidaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Anoectochilus and the species name kosunensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range within the regions of Eastern Asia. It can be found growing naturally in the Nansei-shotto islands. Additionally, its distribution extends to the territory of Taiwan. These two locations represent the primary habitats where the species is documented. Consequently, its presence is limited to these particular East Asian maritime and subtropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Anoectochilus koshunensis is characterized by its classification as a geophyte, a life form that relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. As a perennial herb, it typically thrives in the shaded, humid understories of subtropical forests, where its life cycle is closely synchronized with seasonal moisture availability and light penetration. During periods of environmental stress or dormancy, the plant retreats to its subterranean structures, ensuring its survival until favorable conditions return to trigger new vegetative growth. This survival strategy allows it to maintain a consistent presence within its ecological niche, emerging to produce distinctive foliage and eventually flowering when the microclimate supports its metabolic requirements.

Life form :

geophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Anoectochilus koshunensis is characterized by its growth form as a herbaceous plant, lacking any woody structure throughout its development. It functions as a non-woody organism that maintains an independent existence, as it is not a parasite. In its natural habitat, it is a terrestrial species rather than an epiphyte, growing in the soil of shaded environments. While it exhibits climbing tendencies, its movement is classified as self-supporting, allowing it to navigate its surroundings without being an obligatory or facultative climber on other structures.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Anoectochilus koshunensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2'-deoxyadenosine.

2'-deoxyadenosine

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Anoectochilus koshunensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include whole plant.

Whole plant

1. Phytochemistry