FINAL REPORT FOR RESEARCH EXPLORATION PROGRAMS

Transcription

1 Averyanov L., Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Tien Hiep, Pham Van The, Chu Xuan Canh, Nguyen Tien Vinh FINAL REPORT FOR RESEARCH EXPLORATION PROGRAMS ASSESSMENT OF DISTRIBUTION AND NATURAL STATUS OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII, VIETNAM The Rufford Small Grant Foundation ASSESSMENT OF ORCHID ENDEMISM IN NW VIETNAM WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII American Orchid Society ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT NATURAL STATUS OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES - PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII FOR ITS CONSERVATION Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund CONTENT Background and introduction 1 History of discovery and studies of Paphiopedilum canhii 2 Methodology approached 2 Landscape and typical landforms in studied area 3 Specific character of landscape and landforms in area of discovered habitat of Paphiopedilum canhii 3 Main kinds of vegetation in studied area 4 Characteristic of Paphiopedilum canhii habitats 5 Paphiopedilum canhii in its natural habitats and estimation of its present status 6 Taxonomy, morphology and biology of Paphiopedilum canhii 6 History of exploitation and extinction of Paphiopedilum canhii 7 Main factors of Paphiopedilum canhii extinction 8 Remarkable plant species associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii in its home area 9 Brief conclusions and recommendations for Paphiopedilum canhii protection 9 Literature cited 10 Technical and financial report 10 Appendix 1 List of collected species 13 Appendix 2 Notes to report illustrations 15 Summary. Research program funded from The Rufford Small Grant Foundation, American Orchid Society and Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund for field assessment of recently discovered Paphiopedilum canhii was completed during New original data were obtained for habitat and natural conditions of five discovered species subpopulations. Associated plant species and vegetation were described and documented with about 5000 collected herbarium specimens. Negative factors leading to fast species extinction are analyzed and discussed. It is suggested present status of the species as critically endangered, approaching to full extinction in the near future. Conservation of the species in its natural habitats needs very urgent actions that look unrealistic. Cultivation of species may be alone way to its salvation. Among accompanied plants in native area of P. canhii were discovered 2 new genera (Phylacium and Sinocrassula) and 14 species new for the flora of Vietnam (Ophiopogon, Saccolabiopsis and Appendicula torta, Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum, Coelogyne micrantha, Cuscuta formosana, Cymbidium cyperifolium, Dendrobium dixanthum, D. findlayanum, D. senile, Holcoglossum amesianum, Monomeria gymnopus, Phylacium majus, Pyrrosia nummulariifolia, Schoenorchis fragrans and Sinocrassula indica). One genus ( Lockia) and 11 species (from such genera as Begonia, Bulbophyllum, Chirita, Cleisostoma, Dendrobium, Hippeophyllum, Peliosanthes, Sarcoglyphis and Schoenorchis) are proposed for description as a new for science. Observations and plant records are illustrated with high-resolution images. Some recommendations for approaches to orchid protection are proposed as brief summary of the survey. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION Recent field explorations outlined rocky limestone areas of northern Vietnam with their highly endangered primary forests as unique very significant center of Paphiopedilum speciation and diversity (Averyanov et al., 2003). These studies reveal on this territory more than 25 geographically isolated local endemics of this genus with dramatically restrict and disjunctive distribution (Averyanov, 2008; Liu Zhong-Jian, et al., 2009a, b). Many of them were formally described outside of Vietnam on the base of specimens exported from the country by plant traders. Very often in this situation, biological sciences got no any reliable information about nature of such 1

2 species, populations of which were extinguished before professional botanical study. Sometime such field investigations were organized too late, when species already extinct in the wild due to total over collecting as it happened, for example, with Paphiopedilum vietnamense and P. tranlienianum (Averyanov et al., 2001; Averyanov, 2003, 2004). Despite obvious significance of botanical explorations in unexplored areas for informal understanding and discovery of plant diversity for timely protection, such projects are poorly funded. Without such studies a great number of strictly endemic species become extinct before their discovery and description by scientific annals of our civilization in conditions of commercial collecting, wide deforestation and total collapse of native their habitats. This report presents results of completed 2-year scientific exploration program for field study of Paphiopedilum canhii, species recently discovered in northwestern Vietnam (Averyanov et al., 2010; Averyanov, 2010). Main goals of these investigations were identification of the species distribution, natural conditions of habitats, status in nature and elaboration of strategy for its possible protection. For the first time Paphiopedilum canhii appeared on the local markets of Dien Bien and Son La cities without any exact information about plant origin. Limestone areas of these provinces allied to Laotian border are known as a home of such highly prized endemical orchid species as Bulbophyllum paraemarginatum, Dendrobium farinatum, Dendrobium trantuanii, D. vietnamense, Hayata glandulifera, Paphiopedilum aspersum, P. coccineum, Sunipia nigricans, etc. (Perner, Dang, 2003; Schildhauer, Schraut, 2004; Averyanov, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009). Following to simplest logic it was primarily expected that P. canhii with high probability has also restricted, very limited and disjunctive distribution and its habitats should be associated with rocky karstic limestone regions of northwestern part of Vietnam. Such areas were accepted as presumptive regions for priorital field searches of relictual species populations (Fig. 1, 2). HISTORY OF DISCOVERY AND STUDIES OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII Vietnamese people like orchids. More or less large orchid collections or small family orchid home gardens may be often seen in any city, town or even village all over the country. Various orchids for cultivation may be bought easily on neighbour local markets or just along roads where they crossareas with remains of primary woods. Plants are usually offered for sale by local people. They commonly crop these plants in nearest vicinities, regularly in degraded primary forest, logging and burning for primitive agricultural fields. Such fields are permanently expanded and successively replace primary forests in many botanically unexplored areas. Orchid collecting in such places time to time brings to the market rare, interesting and even undescribed orchids. Similar story was happen with discovery of Paphiopedilum canhii. Local orchid growers in Dien Bien and Son La cities were first people denoted samples of unusual slipper orchid that were appeared on the local market at the end of This plant reflected certain attention of many orchid lowers and plant dealers who reasonably suspect that unusual plant may represent new undescribed species. First persons who introduced the plant to world orchid society were Mr. Chu Xuan Canh and Mr. Bui Xuan Dang observing fresh collected market plants in Dien Bien city and in Hanoi. In fact, Paphiopedilum canhii was described on the base of few plants that were brought at the end of 2009 by people of H Mong (Meo) minority from remote mountain area to office of Civilian Governmental Service for Care of Natural Resources and Connections with Local Minorities (Natural Resources Governance, CARE International in Vietnam). At the office, plants were received by Service Officer Mr. Chu Xuan Canh, who kept plants for cultivation and further study. Cultivated plants developed flowers in March next year. Even preliminary research revealed unique character and very isolated taxonomical position of collected plants. This resulted in immediate description of new species for science Paphiopedilum canhii (Averyanov et al., 2010; Averyanov, 2010), named after owner of first blossomed specimens. First publication with description of P. canhii appeared in May issue of the American Orchid Society Magazine (Orchids). This publication mentioned two elements as species type. Rules of 2

3 International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) cannot regard such description as valid thought description was actually based on the same plant (in fruits and in flowers). Month later the species was re-described in supplement to second part of Prof. Averyanov s monograph The orchids of Vietnam. Illustrated survey. Part 2. Subfamily Orchidoideae published as 2 quarter issue of 13 volume of Siberian botanical magazine Turczaninowia. This description fulfilled in accordance with formal rules of ISBN was dated as 15 June Publication of newly discovered species attracted a great attention of people involved in orchidology and horticulture. It also activated interests of domestic and international orchid trade. The increasing of market demands for newly described species leaded to rapid rise of plant costs and stimulated plant collecting in the nature. As a result, large lots of plants appeared on the local markets immediately. At the same time, native area of species long time remained unknown being know-how of dealers and local collectors. Indirect data gave obvious evidence that species represents very restricted local endemism of limestone areas in limits of Dien Bien or Son La provinces. It was reasonably expected, that this plant probably may be found in alone or few localities and its populations may be very small approaching to full extinction. Discovery of remnant populations, description of species habitats, assessment of present distribution and status of P. canhii was main goal of the proposed exploration program with field works started in December METHODOLOGY APPROACHES According to elaborated plan of investigation following actions were successively fulfilled in present exploration program. Firstly, all available indirect relevant information was obtained from numerous talks in local orchid markets, from interviews with orchid lovers, growers and local dealers in the area of Dien Bien and Son La provinces. Additional data were obtained by talks with local peoples, village authorities, local foresters in cooperation with officers of Forest Protection Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FPD). Eventually, on the base of all obtained data, it was preliminarily detected that species should occur in the area of Dien Bien and Son La provinces near Laotian border, most probably on rocky limestone. All slipper orchids are obligate element of intact primary forests. Wide extinction of such forests strongly restricted possible regions for perspective field searches. Our field overview and special surveys (Collins, Sayer, Whitmore, 1991) indicate that more than 99.5% of primary forests in the area presently completely extinct due to shifting primitive agriculture, forest logging and timber exploitation for fuel-wood. Miserable pieces of remained primary forests may be estimated now as covering less than 1% of total territory. Such unique remnant forest stands were located in few remote mountain regions of studied area in close cooperation with local representatives of FPD. As only primary forests support populations of sensitive aboriginal species including all species of Paphiopedilum, just only these localities were selected for field explorations (Fig. 2). On the base of elaborated search strategy, principal plan of reconnaissance expedition trips for field study of most probable species localities was elaborated and realized during January At this field session alone locality of Paphiopedilum canhii (with five subpopulations) was found in Dien Bien province near Laotian border. Next year, during P. canhii flowering time, detailed field investigation of this locality was organized. Vast areas of Vietnam and Laos allied to area of P. canhii discovery were studied additionally during March-April field session. During this session, more than 48 localities in rocky limestone areas of both countries were investigated (Fig. 2). Although many localities selected for study exhibited identical or very similar natural conditions (as well as basic plant species composition) with those observed in discovered habitats of P. canhii, this species was not more found elsewhere. On the base of field explorations, description of discovered P. canhii habitats was made along with description of vegetation and natural conditions. It was also made approximate estimation of number of plants in five discovered subpopulations and expected area of species distribution, as well as identification species status in the wild on the base of original field investigations. Also, on the base of direct field observations were preliminary studied species phenology and seed 3

4 production with identification of optimal time for seed collecting for possible seed propagation and possible repatriation. Recommendations for reliable strategy of species conservation on the base of obtained data, including training educational aspect for local people in the area of species were discussed and proposed. Methodology of car and feet routes in remote mountain areas for the species searches and personal investigations of the flora and vegetation in possible regions of P. canhii occurrence (NW Vietnam and NEE Laos areas allied to Son La and Dien Bien provinces of Vietnam) was used incurrent exploration program. These trips were connected with hire of local people and foresters as a field guides and in close cooperation with Forest Protection Department officers. Estimation of number of plants, number and size of populations, as well description of habitat conditions and vegetation were fulfilled according to standard geobotany and plant geography methods. Voucher specimens for documentation of plant species records and descriptions of plant communities will be housed in Herbarium of The Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), LE, MO and VNM Herbaria. Field exploration work and most observed plants were illustrated with high-resolution photography. LANDSCAPE AND TYPICAL LANDFORMS IN STUDIED AREA First information about existence of Paphiopedilum canhii came from northwestern Vietnam. Eventually, after extensive field explorations it was found in alone locality of Dien Bien province near Laotian border. The area initially accepted for priorital study as most probable native land of P. canhii is shown on figures 1. The northern part of this area (except granite Hoang Lien Son Range) represents a number of spacious successive alluvial valleys with shale rolling hills and low mountains up to 1500 (2000) m a.s.l. Valleys are appeared as wide, broad depressions covered by unconsolidated Quaternary sediments or occasionally with olivine basalt (Chu Van Ngoi, Luong Thi Thu Hoai, 2007) with valley bottoms elevated to m a.s.l. Often they exhibit scattered, more or less isolated systems of remnant, rocky mesa-like hills or mountains, composed with highly eroded, marble like Devonian and Triassic limestone (Fig. 3-5). These spectacular formations with karstic rocky vertical cliffs elevated commonly up to m a.s.l., but sometime reach m a.s.l. (Fig. 6-10). Some limestone massifs in SW part of studied area represent more or less highly eroded peneplains that forms continues lines of more or less dissected limestone plateaus extending from NW to SE direction. Largest of them are Son La and Moc Chau Plateaus with elevations up to m a.s.l. They spread along the Song Da River. Narrow canyons or very deep river valleys separate these plateaus and associated ridges. This zone of Devonian and Triassic limestone within the peripheral areas of these plateaus appears as a spectacular area of highly eroded karst impressive rocky topography (Averyanov et al., 2003). SPECIFIC CHARACTER OF LANDSCAPE AND LANDFORMS IN AREA OF DISCOVERED HABITAT OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII In the course of field works according to present exploration program, about 53 localities of remnant primary forests were found and studied (Fig. 2). Nearly all studied localities represent last highly degraded remnants of primary forests in the area that nevertheless still remain intact relictual nucleus of aboriginal flora with very rich aboriginal species composition. Highest level of species diversity and endemism was observed in the area on rocky limestone formations. During our field works in such native conditions were found numerous rarest strictly endemical plant species including Paphiopedilum canhii. Alone locality of Paphiopedilum canhii was found during current exploration program in Dien Bien province, to the SW of Dien Bien City, in Dien Bien District on the territory of Na U Municipality very near to Laotian border. Few subpopulations of the species inhabit very small isolated massif of few scattered remnant limestone hills composed with highly eroded marble-like rocky limestone with numerous steep slopes and vertical cliffs (Fig ). These limestone formations topographically are inserted between rolling shale hills on watershed of western tributaries of Nam He River (Fig. 11), but some of them are towered just on flat river valley (Fig. 13). Total square of this hilly limestone massif not exceed 4 km 2 (Fig. 11, 12). Tops of limestone 4

5 remnant hills elevated from 950 to 1200 m a.s.l. retain severely fragmented degraded pieces of primary forest that give home to remains of aboriginal species. At the same time this limestone refuge is surrounded by shale hills covered with poor weedy secondary plant communities and valleys occupied by agricultural fields (Fig. 12). High anthropogenic transformation of landscape gives no chance to find populations of rare sensitive native species like P. canhii in any vicinities of this area outside studied fragments of rich humid primary limestone forest. In discovered native area of Paphiopedilum canhii were found and studied nine last remained very small primary forest stands that potentially may be support habitats of P. canhii. In fact, species was found only in five sites with very small subpopulations in each habitat (Fig. 11). MAIN KINDS OF VEGETATION IN STUDIED AREA Rich primary broad-leaved evergreen closed submontane tropical forests represent typical original pristine zonal vegetation formation in the area of Paphiopedilum canhii discovery. Very rich species composition, specific horizontal and vertical forest structure, permanent shade and humidity, as well as absence of exotic or weed species is typical feature of such aboriginal vegetation kind. However, sometime, it is not too easy to reconstruct and understand real structure and composition of pristine forest that were spread everywhere in studied area in prehistoric ages. Different stages of successions more or less deep degradation of vegetation is typical picture in our days all over studied area. Very poor secondary woods, secondary scrubs or herbaceous plant communities with high participation of exotic or weedy alien species, are most typical regrettably picture in landscapes in all area of the project explorations. Field studies of this project revealed following picture of forest structure and species composition in the area of Paphiopedilum canhii habitats. First forest (canopy) stratum includes numerous trees, which belong to different families. These trees reach on hill slopes regularly m tall with canopy coverage %. Most of trees are evergreen, but participation of deciduous trees may be more or less considerable, particularly on south-faced slopes and on cliffs (Fig ). Species listed below in Table 1 were observed as more common co-dominant of this and lower strata in primary limestone forest. Table 1 Co-dominant species of different strata in primary broad-leaved evergreen closed submontane tropical forests on hill slopes in Paphiopedilum canhii native area 1 FOREST (canopy) STRATUM m tall FAMILY PLANT SPECIES NAME EVERGREEN DECIDUOUS Allospondias lakonensis Anacardiaceae - + Stapf. Anacardiaceae Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) B.L.Burtt et A.W.Hill - + Fagaceae Lithocarpus sp. + - Lauraceae Cinnamomum sp. + - Meliaceae Aglaia sp Meliaceae Aglaia sp Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. Meliaceae + - Moraceae Ficus sp. + - Podocarpaceae Podocarpus neriifolius + - Ulmaceae Celtis sp. + - Pometia pinnata J.R. et Forst. Sapindaceae FOREST STRATUM m tall Annonaceae Polyalthia sp. + - Annonaceae Xylopia sp. + - Cephalotaxaceae Amentotaxus argotaenia + - Euphorbiaceae Baccaurea sp. + - Deutzianthus tonkinensis Gagnep. Euphorbiaceae + - Euphorbiaceae gen.sp

6 Lauraceae Meliaceae Litsea sp. Toona sp Moraceae Streblus macrophyllus Blume FOREST STRATUM 5-10 m tall Araliaceae Schefflera sp. + - Sapium rotundifolium Hemsl. Euphorbiaceae - + Meliaceae Walsura sp. + - Moraceae Ficus sp. + - Simaroubaceae Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. - + Styracaceae Alniphyllum sp FOREST STRATUM shrubs and herbs to m tall Acanthaceae Strobilanthes sp Acanthaceae Strobilanthes sp Arecaceae Arenga pinnata Merr. + - Arecaceae Caryota sp. + - Convallariaceae Ophiopogon sp. + - Cyperaceae Carex sp Cyperaceae Carex sp Cyperaceae Scleria sp. + - Rubiaceae Psychotria sp. + - Rutaceae Muraya sp. + - Sterculiaceae Sterculia sp. + - Urticaceae Elatostema sp Urticaceae Pilea sp Urticaceae Pilea sp Zingiberaceae Alpinia sp. + - Forest on tops of rocky hills and mountains become shorter and includes in its canopy stratum a number of specific tree species that regularly do not observed on hill slopes. Among them are such species as Pistacia weinmannifolia, Schefflera pes-avis, Platycarya strobilacea, Myrsine kwangsiensis and Sinosideroxylon sp. Thickets of Dracaena cochinchinensis are common in such habitats, particularly on open rocky outcrops. They give to rocky hill tops very characteristic appearance (Fig. 17). Similar plant communities commonly may be observed on very steep rocky slopes and on cliffs of remnant limestone ridges (Fig ). Main co-dominants of canopy stratum in such specific primary plant community that cover tops of rocky limestone mountains are listed below in Table 2. Table 2 Co-dominant species of canopy and shrub stratum in primary broad-leaved evergreen closed submontane tropical dwarf forests on hill tops in Paphiopedilum canhii native area 1-2 FOREST STRATA 2-10 m tall FAMILY PLANT SPECIES NAME EVERGREEN DECIDUOUS Agavaceae Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C.Chen + - Anacardiaceae Pistacia weinmannifolia J.Poiss. ex Franch. + - Araliaceae Schefflera pes-avis R.Vig. + - Betulaceae Ulmus sp. - + Celastraceae Euonymus sp. Fabaceae Campylotropis sp. + - Fabaceae Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. Fagaceae Quercus sp Fagaceae Quercus sp Fagaceae Quercus sp Juglandaceae Platycarya strobilacea Siebold et Zucc. - + Moraceae Ficus sp. + - Myrsinaceae Myrsine kwangsiensis (E.Walker ) Pipoly et C.Chen + - Sapotaceae Sinosideroxylon sp. + - Many weedy species appears quickly in fragments of primary woods opened by forest fire or logging. They rapidly replace aboriginal primary forest dominants. On first stages of this process in studied area were observed such species as Bauhinia variegata L., Bauhinia sp. (Fabaceae), Clausena sp. and Zanthoxylum avicennae DC. (Rutaceae), species of Callicarpa (Verbenaceae), Euphorbia antiquorum L. (Euphorbiaceae) and some another representatives of secondary plant communities 6

7 including large woody vines, like Beaumontia pitardii Tsiang (Apocynaceae). Non-strata (extra-strata) vegetation is well presented in habitats of P. canhii and includes numerous lithophytic, epiphytic, lianas, creeping and climbing plant species, as well as numerous mosses and lichens. Group of lithophytic plants includes mainly numerous species of ferns and orchids. A number of herbaceous representatives of Begoniaceae (Begonia ssp.), Convallariaceae (Aspidistara sp., Peliosanthes sp., Tupistra sp.), Gesneriaceae (Chirita sp.), Urticaceae (Pilea sp., Elatostema sp.), Trilliaceae (Paris polyphylla), Araceae (Arisaema ssp., Amorphophallus ssp.) and Acanthaceae (Strobilanthes sp.) also belong here. Rosulate, tuberiferous and creeping living plant forms dominate in this group. In primary intact habitats they can develop continuous mats completely covering rocky outcrops on tops of limestone hills and mountains (Fig. 35). Ferns and orchids also dominate among epiphytic plant communities in habitats of P. canhii. Some tuberiferous epiphytic scandent shrubs, mainly species of Vaccinium, also were observed as typical epiphytes on mountain tops. Epiphytes here often completely cover stems and branches of old gnarled trees (Fig. 36), particularly at the stem base and in tree canopies. Among epiphytic, creeping, climbing and genuine vines were observed species of Davallia, Pyrrosia, Hoya, Dischidia, Smilax, Stemona, Vanilla, Clematis and few species of Cucurbitaceae. List of species observed during field works is presented in Appendix 1. All species observations and species records are documented with collected voucher herbarium specimens that are housed at Herbarium of the Center for Plant Conservation of Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (Vietnam, Hanoi) with duplicates delivered into main World Herbaria. CHARACTERISTIC OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII HABITATS Shady vertical cliffs of N, NE and NW exposition on steep rocky slopes of remnant limestone hills and mountains covered with intact primary broad-leaved evergreen forest were observed as typical habitat in all discovered subpopulations of Paphiopedilum canhii (Fig ). Discovered subpopulations of P. canhii in its native area were observed at elevation m a.s.l. The species grow in upper part of hill slopes, just on high vertical cliffs, usually in m below hill tops. However, occasionally it almost reaches mountain summits growing here in shady humid crevices. Plants regularly grow as a typical rosulate lithophyte on rough solid vertical walls covered with scattered mosses in permanent humidity and in constant shade provided by intact canopy stratum of primary forest. Very often roots of plants adpressed to just solid unbroken limestone wall using no any fissures or holes. Remnants of primary forest supporting populations of P. canhii in all its discovered populations was observed as a still intact, but very endangered units threatened by expected coming logging (Fig ). In fact, P. canhii grows in very similar natural, environmental and climate conditions, which were described in details for Paphiopedilum coccineum (P. barbigerum var. coccineum) in our early publications (Averyanov et al., 2003, 2004). Numerous lithophytic ferns and orchids are most usual cohabitants directly associated with P canhii in its native habitats. Observed species of this group are listed below. Most usual lithophytic associates of P. canhii in its native habitats FERNS: Antrophyum sp., Asplenium tenuifolium, Davallia sp., Drynaria sp., Polypodium bourretii, Pyrrosia lanceolate, Pyrrosia sp., Pyrrosia nummulariifolia Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum, Calanthe triplicata, Callostylis rigida, Cheirostylis chinensis, Coelogyne fimbriata, ORCHIDS: Bulbophyllum apodum, Bulbophyllum delitescens Dendrobium chrysanthum, Epigeneium amplum, Epigeneium labuanum, Eria pachyphylla, Liparis mannii, Liparis viridiflora, Oberonia cavaleriei, Oberonia ensiformis, Paphiopedilum concolor, Paphiopedilum dianthum, Paphiopedilum malipoense, Pholidota imbricata. 7

8 It is remarkable that sometimes P. canhii grow just together with other slipper orchids, such a P. concolor and P. dianthum in close proximity to populations of P. barbigerum (var. coccineum) and P. malipoense that theoretically provide possibility for their natural hybridization. PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII IN ITS NATURAL HABITATS AND ESTIMATION OF ITS PRESENT STATUS In current completed investigation, Paphiopedilum canhii was discovered in five subpopulations settled in small isolated limestone area in square less than 0.5 km 2. The formal area of probable species occupancy is even smaller and may be formally estimated (according to methodology recommended by IUCN) as polygon with square about 0.35 km 2 (Fig. 56). In fact, actual original square occupied by species growing on vertical cliffs is certainly less than few hundred meters. Total number of specimens in all five subpopulations before commercial collecting may be estimated presently very approximately, but most probably the plant number was approximately mature (flowering-size) samples. There exists certain evidence that five discovered subpopulations represent all existing area of P. canhii. Plants in their natural habitats grow as a rosulate lithophyte forming on vertical shady walls before commercial collecting more or less dense intact colonies, each with 10 to 50 mature and juvenile samples spreading commonly on square 1-2 m 2. Little time ago, many such colonies were scattered on a numerous high cliffs in studied locality, as it may be seen on Fig However, even at this time, before commercial exploitation number of specimens and total species area in each subpopulation was miserable. Regrettably, all discovered subpopulations to the moment of our exploration and studies were already tragically depleted by commercial collecting. In our studies already during December 2010 was found no one intact colony. Absolute majority of colonies in all 5 subpopulations were extinguished completely and only occasionally in most inaccessible cliffs were observed poor remains in form of single commonly depressed or juvenile specimens (Fig ). Plants were exactly collected just recently, certainly few months before our December studies and many cliffs still retained numerous sad traces of former majestic species abundance. Very rarely few remained mature plants were observed in places of former many-numbered colonies. Proportion of such plants may reach 30% (Fig. 55). However, this is alone observed example. In all other cases, plants are eliminated from colonies on 99 to 100% (Fig ). Total extinction of plants during year may be estimated as at least 99%. At the same time, the number of surviving mature (flower- sized) specimens in all subpopulations hardly exceeds presently 0.01% of former species population. Such unique relicts are presented on Fig As commercial collecting still cannot be stop immediately, these are, probably, last photos of P. canhii in nature. On the base of available data and current original observations Paphiopedilum canhii may be estimated presently in IUCN terms as critically endangered species (CR), which is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in nearest future. TAXONOMY, MORPHOLOGY AND BIOLOGY OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII Paphiopedilum canhii was described by Prof. Leonid Averyanov and Mr. Olaf Gruss in 2010 on the base of few specimens of uncertain origin collected (as to be said) supposedly in Son La Province and flowered in Hanoi in private orchid collection of Mr. Chu Xuan Canh in March It is most probably that locality of the type was not indicated in description properly, being based on talks of local dealers which is commonly very far from scientific accuracy. Later project participants in Dien Bien Province found the species. Extensive wide searches of P. canhii outside this discovered area in Vietnam and Laos bring no positive results. Now this species may be certainly regarded as local Vietnamese endemic with very restricted distribution 8

9 in Dien Bien province of NW Vietnam. First publication of new species with illustrations and description appeared in May issue of American Orchid Society Magazine (Orchids) that immediately introduced species to broad circle of orchid lovers all over the world. Unfortunately, published name cannot be regarded as valid due to superfluous citation of two elements as a nomenclature type (Art. 8.1 & 8.2 of ICBN). A month later, the species was described in full accordance with rules of botanical nomenclature in Russian scientific journal - Turczaninowia (Averyanov, 2010). Both presented publications contained extensive data on morphology and nature of described plant. Primary observations and additional studies of this species in nature confirmed very isolated position of this plant in the genus Paphiopedilum that was already mentioned in previous publications (Averyanov, 2010). This statement initiated description of new monotype subgenus - Megastaminodium Braem et O.Gruss (2011, Ochid Digest, July, Aug., Sept.: 164). Actually P. canhii has indeed morphologically more or less intermediate position between species of section Parvisepalum Aver. et P.J.Cribb (subgenus Parvisepalum Karas. et Saito) and section Barbata (Kraenzl.) V.A.Albert et Boerge Pett. (subgenus Paphiopedilum). It undoubtedly deserves segregation in rank of separate supra-species taxon. However, we suppose that will be more reasonable regard such taxon in rank of section of type subgenus. Description of such section is proposed here. It accompanied with key to identification of Paphiopedilum infra-generic subdivisions. Standard taxonomic citation of P. canhii and its taxonomic position are listed below. Also, below are presented corrected and improved description of the species with addition of all obtained original data on its morphology, ecology and phenology (Fig. 57, 58). Key to subgenera of the genus Paphiopedilum Pfitzer 1. Median sepal more or less similar to petals in shape and color; petals broadly-ovate to circular, less than twice as long as broad 2 +. Median sepal distinctly differs from petals in shape and color; petals much narrower than dorsal sepal, tapering, narrowly-oblong or spatulate, more than twice as long as broad P. subgen. Paphiopedilum 2. Median sepal distinctly smaller than petals; lip inflated, more or less spherical, thintextured, lightly grooved along the veins; staminode large, broad at apex, flat or longitudinally conduplicate; flowers white, pale yellowish-green or pink, sometimes with brown or purple stripes along nerves; leaves tessellated or uniformly green..... P. subgen. Parvisepalum Karasawa et Saito +. Median sepal more or less similar with petals in size; lip is ovoid, rather thick in texture, plain on surface; staminode middle sized, distinctly 3- or 5-dentate at the apex, with a large narrow central tooth; flowers white to pale yellowish, sepals and petals usually with small purple spots; leaves always tessellated..... P. subgen. Brachypetalum (Hallier) Pfitzer Key to sections of subgenus Paphiopedilum 1. Lip inflated, sub-spherical, calceolate, thin-textured, slightly grooved along the veins; staminode large, broadly ovate, broad at apex, flat; leaves usually 4-7(8) cm long, very rigid, markedly tessellated above, heavily purple-violet spotted below; plant of calcareous substrate.... P. sect. Pygmaea Aver. +. Lip goblet-like, cylindrical, leathery, glossy, not grooved along veins; staminode middle sized, various in shape, with obtuse or dentate apex, often with central umbo; leaves commonly longer than 8 cm, not much rigid, soft or leathery, uniform green or tessellated; not purple spotted below, or with few scattered purple marks at the base; plant of calcareous or acidic silicate substrates P. sect. Paphiopedilum 9

10 Paphiopedilum subgen. Paphiopedilum sect. Pygmaea Aver., sect.nov. Syn.: Paphiopedilum subgen. Megastaminodium Braem et O.Gruss, 2011, Ochid Digest, 3: 164. Type species: Paphiopedilum canhii Aver. et O.Gruss. Plantae pumilae. Folia 4-6(8) cm longa. Sepala synsepalumque ovata, alba, purpureo-striata. Petala lanceolata, acuminata, sepalis multo angustiora. Labium inflatum, subsphaericum, calceolatum, subtiliter texturatum. Staminodium magnum, late ovoideum, applanatum. Folia rigida, supra distincte tessellata, subtus intense purpureo-violacea, maculata. Monotype section. Paphiopedilum canhii Aver. et O.Gruss, 2010 (15 June), in Aver., Orch. Viet. Ill. Surv. Orchidoideae, Turczaninowia, 13, 2: Paphiopedilum canhii Aver. et O.Gruss, 2010, Orchids, Mag. Amer. Orch. Soc., 79, 5: 288, nom. invalid. Illustrations. d-exsiccates OF VIETNAMESE FLORA 0170; Aver. et O.Gruss, 2010, Orchids, Mag. Amer. Orch. Soc., 79, 5: , fig. 1-9; Aver., Orch. Viet. Ill. Surv. Orchidoideae, Turczaninowia, 13, 2:94, Fig. 62; Fig Described from NW. Vietnam ( NW. Vietnam, Son La prov. ). Holotype ( Chu Xuan Canh CXC 101, 14 Nov. 2009, in fruit) HN; epitype ( Phan Ke Loc HAL March 2010, in flower) Herbarium of The Center for Plant Conservation (Hanoi). Description. Lithophytic sympodial rosulate herb with (2)3-4(7) leaves. Leaves elliptic to oblong, 3-7(8) cm long, 1-2(2.5) cm wide, slightly emarginate and shortly apiculate at the apex, markedly tessellated light and dark green above, pale green and heavily marked with dark dirtyviolet below. Inflorescence erect, 1- flowered; peduncle slender, 3-6(10) cm long, dark green, sometimes with dirty-purple tint, pubescent with dirty olive-violet hairs. Floral bract narrowly ovate-elliptic, acute, (0.8)1-1.2(1.4) cm long, 3-4(5) mm wide, green, olive-violet pubescent. Flowers 6-8 cm across. Dorsal sepal ovate to broadly ovate, acute; (3) cm long, cm wide; white, slightly greenish at the base, in lower half veined with 5-11 purple nerves; densely hairy outside. Synsepal narrowly ovate to ovate, acute; cm long, cm wide; light uniformly dull green to white, occasionally with 2 purple stripes; hairy outside. Petals (4) cm long, cm wide at the base, spreading, more or less horizontal, cuneate, narrowing from broad base to elongate, acuminate apex, background light green to pinkish-green, brightly deep green toward base, dull purple-violet to the apex, with 7-9 dark purple-violet longitudinal stripes along nerves, long white ciliate along irregularly slightly undulate margin. Petal base with dense tuft of long, glassy, pellucid, dark violet papillae at lower margin faced to lip entrance. Lip slipper-sac-like; (2) cm long, (0.8)1-1.5 cm wide, light dull green, with light brownish-purple tint on smooth and glossy incurved side lobes; inside at the base densely haired with long white glassy pellucid papillae, dark violet at apex. Column short and broad, 3-4 mm long, light greenish to brightly green. Stamens with elongate obtuse filament apices; filaments light greenish to green; anther spherical, yellow to orange; pollen yellow-orange, viscid. Stigma hemispheric, white to light greenish, 4-5 mm in diam. Staminode large, (8)10-12(14) mm long, (5)6-9(10) mm wide; entire, glossy, broadly ovate to ovate-elliptic, flat, hardly indistinctly emarginate and grooved at apex; white to light greenish, with irregular washy yellowish-green to dark green marks. Pedicel and ovary (3) cm long, dark green, densely pubescent with dirty olive-violet hairs. Fruit dry, narrowly ellipsoid, ribbed, shortly beaked capsule about 2-3(3.5) cm long and 4-5 mm in diameter. Fig. 57, 58. Ecology. Broad-leaved primary shady humid forests on rocky limestone at elevations about m a.s.l. Obligate lithophyte on vertical shady limestone cliffs near tops of ridges, with roots adpressed to solid vertical walls having no soil. Fl. March - April. Fruits August September. Extremely rare (CR). Distribution. Vietnam (Dien Bien Province). Endemic. 10

11 Note. Samples of P. canhii bloom in nature in March-April. Fruit formation is rather low. Very few samples developed fruits (probably less than 10%) according to observation in years. Capsules are rather small. They ripening and disperse seeds commonly during August-September. One or two small additional bracteoles are often observed on inflorescence apex at the base of floral bract. They probably indicate existence of rudimentary flower bud that gives evidence of possible potential formation on inflorescence of two flowers. HISTORY OF EXPLOITATION AND EXTINCTION OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII Hard exploitation of Paphiopedilum canhii started immediately after its discovery in middle of 2009 year. The species was at first found by H Mong (Meo) local minority people and collected along with other orchids for their routine sale in local markets of Dien Bien and Son La cities. Very distinct unusual slipper orchid was highly valued by local orchid lovers and fanciers just immediately after its appearance in orchid market. In few weeks, rumours on intriguing new species spread widely reaching Hanoi and other large cities of northern Vietnam. First flowers of mysterious plant were open at the beginning of 2010 in a number of private collections in Hanoi, Dien Bien and Son La cities. At this moment, become clear that orchid society met one more new exciting slipper orchid species. Next days internet was filled with images of new flower. At this time price for flowering plants reached its maximum. Illustrated publication of new species in world-known American Orchid Society Magazine also activated market demands and supported fast cost rise. Additionally, participation in the trade of foreign dealers provided much highest influence to the market price dynamics. Numerous international dealers arrive in spring 2010 to Son La and Dien Bien cities for trading. Best plant clones at this time were traded by costs up to 100 USD for alone plant. Largest lots of plants were supposedly imported into Taiwan. Exciting rumours about high prices for plants provoked true orchid fever in the area of Paphiopedilum canhii. All local people from neighboring village s layaway their each day home duties and come to the forest looking for plants. In some days, more than 20 people collected plants in dream to sell them for high price. Naturally, high supply of plants on the market for sale, rapidly exceeded demands. Very soon, just after plant flowering period price come dramatically down to 100 and then 50 USD per kg. To the end of 2010, the cost was only USD for 1 kg, but even for these costs, trade was very weak and nearly all not sold plants were simply trashed. Ironically, the collecting of great majority of plants from nature was reasonless. They bring no money to local people, no profit to local or international trade, no happiness to orchid lovers all over the world. These last specimens of unique critically endangered species that stands on verge of full extinction were simply wasted (Fig. 167). Low level of horticulture and lack of necessary experience in slipper orchid cultivation permit no long cultivation of P. canhii in local collections and nurseries. So even large flowering size plants actually have no chance to survive in conditions of primitive agriculture (Fig ). To the end of 2010 trade of P. canhii actually completely exhausted due to 3 main reasons: - no more demands from foreign dealers (they already bought best clones necessary for propagation and breeding); - no more demands from domestic purchasers (due to difficulties in plant cultivation in poor conditions); - very few plants in nature (that make their search and collecting almost unprofitable). According to very approximate estimation kg of P. canhii samples were collected during short history of its discovery, exploitation and extinction. Plants are fairly small when 1 kg contains about mature (flowering-size) plants and commonly offspring juvenile samples. Following to these calculations totally were collected at least mature and juvenile specimens. Direct observation in nature indicates that about 99.5% of populations were extinguished in half of year of exploitation. In our opinion species has very few chance survive in nature. It is particularly true taking into consideration fast deforestation in its small native 11

12 area. Cultivation under appropriate conditions in high technology nurseries may prevent full species extinction. However, such activity de jure is illegal due to CITES regulations. No one CITES export permission for P. canhii was ever processed and all samples of the species outside Vietnam are still actually outlaw originating from illegal black market. MAIN FACTORS OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII EXTINCTION Deforestation is main and leading factor of extinction of aboriginal floras. Unique local floras having very high diversity of locally endemic life forms vanish completely in process of deforestation. Fast following degradation of fertile soils and denudation of subsoil horizons opens way to fast degradation of vegetation for successions terminating in climax community of secondary shrub and herbaceous weed species (Fig. 156, 162). This process is irreversible. Primary forests with their assemblage of very sensitive aboriginal species newer regenerate. Extinction of such forest formations leads to catastrophic decreasing of the world genetic diversity. Such picture is observed in studied area in its bright typical form. Our present field studies indicate that more than 99.5% of primary forests cowering land surface in studied area presently completely extinct. This observation stands in full accordance with data of earlier special regional surveys (Collins, Sayer, Whitmore, 1991). Primitive slash-and-burn agriculture and forest logging for domestic purposes and fuel timber are main reason of countrywide deforestation in conditions of remaining traditional forms of local economic and fast increasing of human populations. Miserable pieces of remaining primary forests may be presently estimated in studied area as less than 0.5% of territory. Such unique remnant forest stands are still occurring in few remote mountain regions. Their protection and conservation is impossible without urgent special actions of municipal, provincial and governmental authorities that sounds unrealistic on the background of fast forest destruction. All this is entirely true for home area of P. canhii (Fig. 155, , 165, 166). According to our estimation, it is hardly possible to preserve intact primary vegetation that supports remnants of P. canhii subpopulations. Without special very urgent and effective actions, forest here will be destroyed in the nearest future. The survival of sensitive aboriginal species including P. canhii after forest destruction will be impossible. Constructions of roads, highways, mining, high-voltage line communications, as well as any another large land exploitation projects are also important factors of nature destruction, that usually come after primary forest extinction. For example, road construction in area of P. canhii home area destroys not only vegetation, but also even landscape faces (Fig. 163, 164). Landscape desertification and aggressive weed introgression play role of slow-acting, but irreversible and insuperable destructive factors in last isolated stands of primary forests all over the world in tropical zone. Deforestation on great majority of the land surface leads to landscape desertification resulting in higher summer temperatures and loss of air humidity, particularly during dry seasons. This effect seriously depresses primary humid-lowing vegetation, particularly in its small isolated refugia. Most sensitive species in such conditions slowly decline even in physically intact primary plant community. Particularly this concerns woody conifers and herbaceous shadeloving lithophytes (Averyanov et al., 2000, 2005, 2009). Shade-loving aboriginal herbaceous lithophytes growing on vertical cliffs in conditions of permanent humidity represent most sensitive and endangered group of species. Such species always vanish first, because of vertical cliffs lose humidity and surface damp much faster than other substrates during process of habitat destruction. Assessed P. canhii and its slipper orchid associates belong to just this group of species. Destruction of aboriginal floras by introgression of aggressive exotic and weed species represents great problem all over the world. Such species can easily and fairly fast spread in the area of disturbed primary plant communities gradually replacing indigenous species. 12

13 Eventually primary plant communities become transformed into secondary thickets of weed and alien exotic species (Fig. 162). This process moves without bright visible cataclysms, but leads to strong depression of native species and eventually kills most of them. This is particularly true for most sensitive and rare endemic orchids, including all species of Paphiopedilum. Commercial collecting is another important factor of extinction of salable non-timber plant species from the nature. It is true for any economically valuable species. Such process completely kill food, medicine, spice and other species used as whole plant in human consumption. However, commercial collecting of ornamental plants expects their cultivation after trading and sometime play partially positive role in their surviving. It is noticeable, that great majority of orchids in local trade are being collected in irreversible destroyed habitats, where they have no any chance to survive. This is obvious for most orchid species (particularly epiphytes and obligate lithophytes) during collapse of their habitats in forest logging or burning areas (Fig. 157, 158, 165, 166). Collecting of most rare endemic plants for cultivation in irreversible degrading habitats under appropriate control may be alone way for conservation of unique local plant diversity. It is true for many strictly endemic orchids including P. canhii, which could completely extinct before its discovery due to progressive deforestation in coming few years. Uncontrolled commercial collecting of this species seriously depleted its populations, but give important chance to the plant survive ex situ. Strongly limited collecting of rare orchids in nature for cultivation and propagation under control of scientific and state/local administration authorities in similar situations can fill market with cultivated seedlings and make commercial collecting of plants in nature unprofitable. Such approaches provide real way for rare species protection. Any collecting restrictions and prohibitions in practice appear absolutely ineffective for protection of rare market-valued species. REMARKABLE PLANT SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH HABITATS OF PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII IN ITS HOME AREA Remnants of primary forests in the area of P. canhii often retain principal nucleus of very rich and highly endemic flora. As a result, great number of rarest species were observed and collected as herbarium voucher specimens during expedition for documentation of our field studies. Totally were collected about 1067 species, which belong to 457 genera and 113 families of higher plant (Appendix 1). Many observed species vanished in other regions of Vietnam years ago, but in studied area, they are still survived and sometime are presented by fairly large populations. Most rare and interesting species are slipper orchids - relatives of P. canhii, such as P. concolor, P. malipoense, P. coccineum (P. barbigerum var. coccineum) and P. dianthum (Fig ). All these discoveries essentially expand our knowledge about distribution of these rare slipper orchid species and represent new records for NW Vietnam. Tuberiferous ericaceous epiphytic shrubs are very typical for primary vegetation in humid mossy forest of P. canhii area. They are mainly representatives of Vaccinium genus (Fig ). Beside orchids and genuine ferns, some fern allies, like Selaginella tamariscina, belong to typical lithophytes found on vertical rocky limestone cliffs (Fig ). About 112 orchid species were observed as direct associates in habitats of P. canhii subpopulations. Some of them are presented on Fig , 88, 90-94, , 111, As a most common orchids here were observed such species as: Acampe rigida, D. jenkinsii, Phaius flavus, Acanthephyppium striatum, D. loddigesii, Phalaenopsis lobbii, Aerides odorata, D. nobile, P. mannii, Appendicula hexandra, D. spatella, Pholidota articulata, Bulbophyllum ambrosia, D. thyrsiflorum, P. chinensis, B. apodum, D. trigonopus, P. imbricata, B. delitescens, Epigeneium amplum, P. levelleana, B. hirtum, E. chapaense, P. pallida, B. odoratissimum, E. labuanum, P. roseans, 13

14 B. reptans, Eria amica, P. yunnanensis, B. violaceolabellum, E. apertiflora, Podochilus khasianus, B. xylophyllum, E. calcarea, Renanthera coccinea, Calanthe alismifolia, E. carinata, R. vietnamensis, C. triplicate, E. clausa, Rhomboda petelottii, Callostylis rigida (Fig. 118, 119), E. corneri, Schoenorchis gemmata, Ceratostylis himalaica, E. gagnepainei, Sunipia scariosa, Cheirostylis chinensis, E. globulifera, Thelasis khasiana, C. cochinchinensis, E. pachyphylla, T. pygmaea, C. takeoi, E. paniculata, Thrixspermum calceolus, C. yunnanensis, E. pannea, T. centipeda, Cleisostoma filiforme, Flickingeria angustifolia, Trichosma coronaria, C. fuersteinbergianum, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Trichotosia dasyphylla, C. melanorachis, Goodyera hispida, T. pulvinata, C. paniculatum, Liparis mannii, Tropidia angulosa, C. racimiferum, L. nervosa, T. curculigoides, C. rostratum, L. pumila, Vanda brunnea (Fig ), C. striatum, L. viridiflora, V. pumila C. williamsonii, Ludisia discolor, Coelogyne fimbriata, Luisia zollingeri, C. ovalis, Miguelia somai, Corymborchis veratrifolia, Monomeria barbata (Fig. 129, 130), Cymbidium dayanum, M. gymnopus (Fig. 105, 106), C. ensifolium, Oberonia cavaleriei, C. lancifolium, O. ensiformis, Dendrobium aphyllum, O. kwangsiense, D. cariniferum, Ornithochilus difformis, D. chrysanthum, Otochilus fuscus, D. crepidatum, O. yunnanensis, D. fimbriatum, Panisea garrettii (Fig. 131), D. findlayanum, Paphiopedilum concolor (Fig. 67), D. gratiosissimum, P. dianthum (Fig ), D. heterocarpum, Pelatantheria insectifera, Some very rare orchids were known before on the base of few or single collections were also found during field works in home area of P. canhii. Species of this group are listed below: Acampe ochracea Dendrobium jenkinsii, Podochilus oxistophylloides, Anoectochilus calcareus (Fig. 113), Dendrobium lituiflorum (Fig. 123), Porpax elwesii (Fig ), Appendicula torta, Dendrobium longicornu, Renanthera vietnamensis, Bulbophyllum hastatum, Dendrobium minutiflorum, sp.nov. (Fig. 85, Sarcoglyphis brevilabia, 86), Bulbophyllum lockii (Fig ), Dendrobium moniliforme (Fig. 124), Schoenorchis fragrans (Fig. 111), Bulbophyllum nigrescens (Fig. 116, 117), Dendrobium nobile var. albolutea (Fig. 125), Schoenorchis scolopendria sp.nov. (Fig ), Bulbophyllum nipondhii, Dendrobium porphyrochilum (Fig. 126), Stereochilus brevirachis (Fig. 134), Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum (Fig. 91, 92), Dendrobium senile (Fig. 103), Sunipia andersonii (Fig. 135), C. ovalis, Dendrobium trantuanii (Fig. 127), Taeniophyllum glandulosum (Fig. 136), Cheirostylis latilabris Dendrobium trigonopus, Vanda brunnea (Fig ). Cheirostylis marmorifolia Didymoplexiopsis vietnamensis, Chiloschista parishii Eria bambusifolia Coelogyne assamica (Fig. 120), Eria pachyphylla Coelogyne huettneriana Eriodes barbata (Fig. 128), Coelogyne micrantha (Fig. 93, 94 Gastrochilus bellinus, Cymbidium cyperifolium (Fig. 97, 98), Holcoglossum amesianum (Fig. 104), Dendrobium crepidatum (Fig. 121), Lockia sonii, gen. et sp. nov. (Fig ), Dendrobium dixanthum (Fig. 99), Monomeria gymnopus (Fig. 105, 106), Dendrobium findlayanum (Fig ), Paphiopedilum coccineum Dendrobium finlaysonianum Paphiopedilum malipoense, Deandrobium harveyanum (Fig. 122), Phalaenopsis gibbosa, 14

15 Partial identification of materials collected during field works revealed a number of important taxonomic and floristic discoveries. Among them two genera discovered and reported for the flora of Vietnam at first. They are Phylacium Benn. (Fabaceae, CPC 1081, Fig. 107, 108) and Sinocrassula A.Berger (Crassulaceae, CPC 1023 CPC 2041 CPC 2130, Fig. 112) with new species for the flora - Phylacium majus Collett et Hemsl. and Sinocrassula indica A.Berger. At least 12 plant species were found during current survey in Vietnam at first. All they represent new records for the flora of Vietnam. Among them creeping fern - Pyrrosia nummulariifolia Ching (Polypodiaceae, CPC 850, CPC 1101, CPC 1144, CPC 2208, CPC 1828, Fig ) common in habitat of P. canhii; parasitic achlorophyllous vine - Cuscuta formosana Hayata (Cuscutaceae, CPC 1046, Fig. 95,96) and such orchids (Orchidaceae) as - Appendicula torta Blume (CPC 2329), Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum Seidenf. (CPC 1156a, CPC 2318, Fig. 91, 92), Coelogyne micrantha Lindl. (CPC 1077, Fig. 93, 94), Cymbidium cyperifolium Lindl. (CPC s.n., CPC 1734, Fig. 97, 98), Dendrobium dixanthum Rchb.f. (CPC 1915, Fig. 99), Dendrobium findlayanum Par. et Rchb.f. (CPC 1916, CPC 2315, CPC 2374, Fig ), Dendrobium senile Par. et Rchb.f. (CPC s.n., Fig. 103), Holcoglossum amesianum Rchb.f.) Christenson (CPC 2347, Fig. 104), Monomeria gymnopus (Hook.f.) Aver. (CPC 848; CPC 940, CPC 1897, Fig. 105, 106) and Schoenorchis fragrans (Par. et Rchb.f.) U.C.Pradhan (CPC 1138a, CPC 1817, Fig. 111). Among taxa discovered and proposed for description as a new for science are 9 orchids: new genus and species - Lockia sonii, gen. et sp.nov. (Fig ) and 8 species from genera Bulbophyllum (CPC 2253), Cleisostoma minutissima (CPC 2403), Dendrobium minutiflorum (CPC 2428, Fig. 85, 86), Hippeophyllum sp.nov. (CPC 1136), Saccolabiopsis sp.nov. (CPC 1592, Fig. 87), Sarcoglyphis brevilabia (CPC 2106) and Schoenorchis scolopendria (CPC 1139, CPC 1387, CPC 1818, Fig ). Also were discovered and proposed for description 3 species from families: Begoniaceae Begonia viscosa (CPC 2438, Fig. 83, 84), Gesneriacerae - Chirita sp.nov. (CPC 2440) and Convallariaceae - Ophiopogon sp.nov. (CPC 1455). Widely cultivated as highly prized ornamental plants - Dendrobium trantuanii (Fig. 127) and Stereochilus brevirachis (Fig. 134) were found in their natural habitats at first. Both they appear as remarkable associates of Paphiopedilum canhii. Very important ornamental species - Vanda brunnea exhibits in studied area great variation in flowers shape and color (Fig ). BRIEF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PAPHIOPEDILUM CANHII PROTECTION MAIN SUMMARIZED CONCLUSIONS Paphiopedilum canhii is endemic of NW Vietnam with extremely restricted distribution, located in alone geographical point on the area less than 0.35 km 2. Ecologically this species is obligate lithophyte growing at elevations m a.s.l. in intact primary forests on cliffs of remnant mountains composed with highly eroded crystalline rocky limestone. Paphiopedilum canhii in its native habitats grow in association with a number of extremely rare orchid species, which extinct in other areas of Vietnam many years ago. Commercial collecting for sale was main factor of dramatic P. canhii population declining during years just after its discovery. Leading agents stimulated this activity were demands of international market. Intact total population of the species before mass collecting numbered approximately mature and juvenile specimens. About 99.5% of population is presently extinguished due to uncontrolled commercial collecting. Progressive deforestation and land exploitation are additional endangered factors for existed species habitats. 15

16 Following to IUCN criteria (IUCN, 2010) P. canhii belongs to group of critically endangered species (CR) approaching very neat to full extinction in the nature (EW). Conservation of the species in nature needs immediate effective overall protection of its habitats. Effective conservation of the species ex situ needs legalization of plants entered into hightechnology nurseries. Example of P. canhii distribution confirms that strictly local endemism is very typical for limestone floras of northern Vietnam. Great number of similar local endemics can certainly extinct in this area in the near future before their discovery in conditions of total uncontrolled deforestation. Among such plants may be species of outstanding economic significance. Urgent botanical explorations in this area are necessary for salvation of global plant diversity and national plant heritage. NATIONAL ACTIONS FOR POSSIBLE PROTECTION Urgent organization of protected area for all existed habitats of P. canhii, including full conservation of remnant primary forests, strong limitation of land exploitation and effective prohibition of plant collecting. Area necessary for protection do not exceed 4-6 km 2. Involving into conservation actions of local authorities (Municipality People Committee, Forest Protection Department and associated local agencies). Realization of educational program for local people and local authorities with explanation of outstanding significance of P. canhii conservation for organization of highly prized see-site for ecotourism that exhibit bright example of locality with highest orchid diversity in all Indochinese Region. In perspective organization of ecotourism in this area can partially solve a problem of local peoples employment. GENERAL ACTIONS FOR POSSIBLE PROTECTION Organization of high technology risky center for cultivation, propagation and repatriation of critically endangered plant species (including P. canhii) under Vietnam governmental/scientific structures or/and in cooperation with official risky centers abroad. Strongly limited collecting of rare orchids in nature for cultivation and propagation under control of scientific and state/local authorities in P. canhii similar cases can fill market with cultivated seedlings and make mass commercial collecting of plants in nature unprofitable. Such approaches provide real way for rare species protection. Any restrictions for sale of plants (including orchids) collected in irreversible destroyed habitats in conditions of present-day total deforestation play strongly negative role in conservation of world plant diversity. Improving of CITES regulation that in practice appears as bureaucratic mechanism ineffective for actual plant protection. In present form, it irrationally expends considerable national and international human and financial resources giving no advances for objective nature protection. 16

17 EXPECTED PUBLICATIONS OF INVESTIGATION RESULTS LITERATURE CITED Averyanov L Dendrobium tuananhii Aver. Another interesting new orchid from Vietnam. Orchids. Mag. Amer. Orch. Soc. Vol. 73. No 2. P Averyanov L Dendrobium vietnamense a new species from limestone mountains of northwestern Vietnam. Journ. Orchideenfr. Jahr. 12, Heft 4, 4. Quartal : (Bilingual, Germany and English). Averyanov L New species of orchids from Vietnam. Taiwania. Vol. 52. No 4. P Averyanov L The orchids of Vietnam. Illustrated survey. Part 1. Subfamilies Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae and Spiranthoideae. Turczaninowia, Vol. 11, N 1. P Averyanov L Hayata glandulifera (Orchidaceae) New Genus and Species From Northern Vietnam. Taiwania. Vol. 54. No. 4. P Averyanov L The orchids of Vietnam. Illustrated survey. Part 2 subfamily Orchidoideae. Turczaninowia, 13, 2. P Averyanov L., Nguyen Tien Hiep, Phan Ke Loc, Averyanova Anna L Preliminary orchid checklist of Cao Bang Province (Vietnam). Lindleyana. Vol. 15. No 3. P Averyanov L., Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Tien Hiep The distribution of Paphiopedilum vietnamense and its current status in the wild. Orchid Digest. Vol. 65. N. 4. P Averyanov L., Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Tien Hiep, D.K.Harder Phytogeographic review of Vietnam and adjacent areas of Eastern Indochina. Komarovia. Vol. 3. pp Averyanov L., Phillip Cribb, Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Tien Hiep Slipper Orchids of Vietnam. With an Introduction to the Flora of Vietnam. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Compass Press Limited. 308 p. Averyanov L. Cribb P., Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Tien Hiep Lan Hai Viet Nam (Slipper Orchids of Vietnam). 308 pp. Giao Thong van tai Publishing house. Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnamese ed., 2003). Averyanov L., Nguyen Tien Hiep, Phan Ke Loc, Pham Van The Distribution, ecology and habitats of Calocedrus rupestris (Cupressaceae) in Vietnam. Turczaninowia 8 (4) : Averyanov L., Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Tien Hiep, Nguyen Sinh Khang, Nguyen Tien Vinh, Pham Thuy Duyen Preliminary Observation of Native Glyptostrobus pensilis (Taxodiaceae) Stands in Vietnam. Taiwania. Vol. 54. No. 3. P Averyanov Leonid V., Olaf Gruss, Canh Chu Xuan, Loc Phan Ke, Dang Bui, Hiep Nguyen Tien Paphiopedilum canhii. A New Species from Northern Vietnam. Orchids. Lindleyana. Mag. Amer. Orch. Soc. Vol. 79. No 5. P Chu Van Ngoi, Luong Thi Thu Hoai Mechanism of forming the Dien Bien basin. VNU Journal of Science, Earth Sciences. Vol. 23. P Collins N.M., J.A.Sayer, T.C.Whitmore The conservation atlas of tropical forests. Asia and the Pacific. Simon & Schuster. New York, etc. 235 p. 17

18 IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Version 8.1. Prepared by the Standards and Petitions Subcommittee in March Liu Zhong-Jian, Chen Sing-chi, Chen Lijun, Lei Sipeng. 2009b. The genus Paphiopedilum in China. Science Press, Beijing. 371 p. Liu Zhong-Jian, Chen Sing-chi, P.J. Cribb. 2009a. 4. Paphiopedilum Pfitzer. P In Wu Zhenqyi, P.Raven. Flora of China. Vol. 25. Science Press & MBG Press, Beijing & St. Louis. 570 p. Perner H., X.N.Dang Dendrobium trantuanii, eine neue Art der Gattung aus Vietnam. Die Orchidee. Vol. 54, No 2. P Schildhauer H., W. Schraut Dendrobium farinatum, ein neues Dendrobium der Sektion Breviflores aus Vietnam. Journ. Orchideenfreund. Vol. 11, No 4. P TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL REPORT Current investigation program was financially supported in parts by 3 agencies with following details - Grant name: Assessment of distribution and natural status of Paphiopedilum canhii, Vietnam, The Rufford Small Grant Foundation (RSGF); found amount Grant name: Assessment of orchid endemism in NW Vietnam with special attention to Paphiopedilum canhii, American Orchid Society (AOS); found amount - USD 6400 Grant name: Assessment of current natural status of critically endangered species - Paphiopedilum canhii for its conservation, Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund (CZS CBTESF); found amount - USD 4500 The first stage of the work on the Program in December 2010 included 18 days, proceeded from 9 to 26 December Second final stage in March April 2011 included 36 days, proceeded from 21 March to 25 April Program included field work trips on the territory of Vietnam and Laos and laboratory session for preliminary summarization of obtained data. Five main project participants (L.Averyanov, P.K.Loc, P.V.The, N.T.Vinh, C.X.Canh) were involved in the field expedition work on the territory of Vietnam in Dien Bien and Son La Provinces (Vietnam) during 13 days, from 9 to 22 December Five main project participants (L.Averyanov, P.K.Loc, N.Q.Hieu, P.V.The, N.T.Vinh) were involved in the field expedition work on the territory of Vietnam in Hoa Binh, Dien Bien and Son La Provinces (Vietnam) during 30 days, from 21 March to 19 April In addition, four main project participants (L.Averyanov, P.V.The, Philavanh Nasukhum, and Chanhom Lor Inhuang) were involved in the field expedition work on territory of Laos in Phongsali, Luang Prabang and Vientiane Provinces during 6 days, during April Four organizations were directly involved into realization of the project, namely - The Center for Plant Conservation of Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (Vietnam), Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (Vietnam), National University of Laos, Faculty of Science (Laos) and Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Science (Russia). In course of completed investigation, modern data for current assessment were obtained, were studied and described 53 localities, were found and described five subpopulations of Paphiopedilum canhii and accompanied plant species and plant communities, were collected about 5000 voucher herbaruim specimens with 1383 collecting numbers. Data on actual schedule of field works and plant collecting are presented in Table 3. Final summarization of obtained data in form of this report and 2 manuscripts prepared for publication were completed during 18

19 laboratory session in Hanoi with participation of 3 main project participants (L.Averyanov, P.K.Loc, P.V.The) in 4 days, from 23 to 26 December 2010 and during 4 days, from 26 to 29 April 2011, and during 30 days, from 1-30 June in St. Petersburg (Russia) by project leader L.Averyanov. Table 3 Schedule of field work in December 2010 and in March April 2011 of studied locality Date Administrative and geographical position 2010 Vietnam Dien Bien Prov., Dien Bien Distr., 1 9 Dec. Na U Municipality, Ca Hau village: N E. Dien Bien Prov., Dien Bien Distr., 2 11 Dec. Muong Phang Municipality Dien Bien Prov., Dien Bien Distr., 3 11 Dec. Na U Municipality, Ca Hau village: N E Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., 4 13 Dec. Tua Thang Municipality: N E Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., 5 13 Dec. Ta Phin Municipality: N E Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., 6 13 Dec. Sin Chai Municipality: N E Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., 7 14 Dec. Sin Chai Municipality: N E Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., 8 16 Dec. Ta Phin Municipality: N E Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., 9 16 Dec. Xu Nhe Municipality: N E Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., Dec. Mua Ngai Municipality: N E Son La Prov., Son La City, Dec. Chieng Co Municipality: N E Dec. Son La Prov., Mai Son Distr., Hat Lot town: N E Collected specimen numbers CPC CPC CPC CPC CPC CPC CPC , 1047 CPC CPC CPC CPC a CPC March March 1 April Hoa Binh Prov., Lac Son Distr., Tu Do Municipality: Ngoc Son Municipality: 2011 Vietnam Hoa Binh Prov., Tan Lac Distr., Ngo Luong Municipality: (13) N E (14) N E (15) N E (16) N E (17) N E (18) N E (19) N E (20) N E (21) N E (22) N E (23) N E (24) N E (25) N E (26) N E (27) N E (28) N E. (29) N E. (30) N E (31) N E СPС CPC ,

20 March March 2 April , 9-12 April April 45 9, 14 April April April 51, April April Son La Prov., Thuan Chau Distr., Co Ma Municipality: Muoi Noi Municipality: Co Ma Municipality: Son La Prov., Yen Chau Distr., Muong Lum Municipality: Dien Bien Prov., Dien Bien Distr., Na U Municipality: Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., Hua Ngai Municipality: Dien Bien Prov., Tuan Giao Distr., Mun Chung Municipality: (32) N E (33) N E (34) N E (35) N E (36) N E (37) N E (38) N E (39) N E (40) N E (41) N E (42) N E (43) N E (44) N E (45) Hoa Pass. Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., Trung Thu Municipality: (46) N E Xa Nhe Municipality: (47) N E Tua Thang Municipality: (48) N E (49) N E 2011 Laos Phongsali Prov., Muong May Distr.: (50) N E Luang Prabang Prov., Luang Prabang Distr.: (51) N E (52) N E Vientiane Prov., Vang Vieng Distr.: (53) N E CPC CPC CPC , CPC , CPC 2117, 2449 CPC CPC CPC CPC

21 Financial report for the project realization schematically is presented in Table 4. Table 4 Financial report of the exploration program Income: ( = 9600 USD for Dec. 2010), from RSGF USD, from AOS USD, from CZS CBTESF Total income from funding agencies: USD Total expended from received funds: USD Total expended for research program realization: USD Justification of expenses: Year 2010 (all costs calculated in USD) RSGF & ITEM DESCRIPTION CBTESF TRANSPORTATION 1 roundtrip air ticket and connected travel costs St. Airfare Petersburg-Hanoi for project leader Vehicle Rental Rental of vehicle for 13 days field work Field Vehicle Gas and Maintenance Fuel and driver costs 625 SUBSISTENCE Lodging 5 participants +driver for 13 days by $10/day 780 Food 5 participants +driver for 13 days by $20/day FIELD WORK Tents, sleeping bags, herbarium presses, mosquito nets, Equipment rucksacks Maps, batteries, memory cards, external discs, adapters, Field Supplies electricity stabilizer, herbarium paper, alcohol, sacks, lease of electricity generators OTHER SOURCES Assistants Consultants Guides, porters, local assistants 400 LABORATORY WORK Logging in Hanoi 1 participant (Project Leader) for 4 days by $35/day 140 Food 3 participants for 4 days by 20/day 240 Equipment Herbarium driers 40 Lab Supplies Herbarium paper and package cartons 20 Assistants/Consultants Label and field book writing 20 Tests Plant preliminary identification and descriptions 30 Other Herbarium specimen processing, drying, sorting and package Host institutes overhead costs MANAGEMENT Telephone/fax/postage Post, fax, telephone 50 Miscellaneous Passport, visa and permissions processing Participant salaries SUB TOTAL IN PARTS Year 2010 SUBTOTAL EXPENDED Year

22 Year 2011 (all costs calculated in USD) ITEM TRANSPORTATION Airfare Vehicle Rental Field Vehicle Gas and Maintenance SUBSISTENCE Lodging during in field work Food during field work DESCRIPTION 1 roundtrip air ticket and connected travel costs St. Petersburg-Hanoi for project leader (1x800) 2 round tickets and connected costs Hanoi-Vientiane- Hanoi (2x300) Rental of vehicle for 30 days field work in Vietnam (100x30) Rental of vehicle for 6 days field work in Laos (100x6) RSGF, AOS & CBTESF Fuel and driver costs in Vietnam trip (40x30) Fuel and driver costs in Lao trip (50x6) participants +driver for 30 days by $10/day (Vietnam) participants +driver for 6 days by $10/day (Laos) participants +driver for 30 days by $20/day participants +driver for 6 days by $15/day 450 OTHER SOURCES FIELD WORK Tents, sleeping bags, herbarium presses, mosquito nets, Equipment 60 rucksacks 0 Maps, batteries, memory cards, external discs, adapters, Field Supplies electricity stabilizer, herbarium paper, alcohol, sacks, lease of electricity generators 0 Assistants Consultants Guides, porters, local assistants 600 LABORATORY WORK Logging in Hanoi 1 participant (Project Leader) for 4 days by $35/day 140 Food 3 participants for 4 days in Hanoi by 20/day 240 Equipment Herbarium driers 40 Lab Supplies Herbarium paper and package cartons 20 Assistants/Consultants Label and field book writing an printing 20 Tests Plant preliminary identification and descriptions 30 Herbarium specimen processing, drying, sorting and Other package 0 Host institutes overhead costs MANAGEMENT Telephone/fax/postage Post, fax, telephone Miscellaneous Passport, visa and permissions processing Participant salaries Participant salaries at host institutes SUB TOTAL IN PARTS Year SUBTOTAL EXPENDED Year TOTAL IN PARTS TOTAL EXPENDED

23 Other funding sources: Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Science (about USD ) The Center for Plant Conservation, Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (about USD 5 500) Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (about USD National University of Laos, Faculty of Science (about USD 800) Some scenes of field work of main project participants during project realization are presented on Photos Project Leader, Prof. Leonid V. Averyanov 25 January

24 Appendix 1 List of collected species New species for the flora of Vietnam are marked with * Species discovered as new for science are marked with ** Pteridophyta and allies Begoniaceae Bulbophyllum sp.2 CPC 1962 Solanum verbascifolium CPC 1395, CPC 1677 Hymenophyllaceae Begonia cavalieri? CPC 1446, CPC 1885 Hymenophyllum sp. CPC 2110 Begonia cucphuongensis CPC 1477, CPC 1614 Trichomanes sp. CPC 2109 Begonia handelii CPC 1414, CPC 1589, CPC 1801 Bulbophyllum sp.3 CPC 1963 Staphyleaceae Bulbophyllum sp.4 CPC 2320 Turpinia sp. CPC 1706 Bulbophyllum sp.5 CPC 2346 Sterculiaceae Lycopodiaceae Begonia liliformis CPC 1712 Bulbophyllum sp.6 CPC 2363 Heritiera macrophylla CPC 1453 Huperzia phlegmaria CPC 916, Begonia palmata CPC 1758 Bulbophyllum sp.7 CPC 2367 Pterospermum sp. CPC 1591 CPC 2270 Huperzia sp.1. CPC 1051 Begonia rex CPC 1926 Bulbophyllum sp.8 CPC 2377 Sterculia sp. CPC 2279 Huperzia sp.2. CPC 952 Huperzia sp.3 CPC 2167 Begonia subhowii CPC 1752, CPC 1949 Begonia tetragona CPC 1643, CPC 1681, CPC 1775, CPC 1789 Bulbophyllum sp.9 CPC 2382 Gen.sp. CPC 2352 Bulbophyllum sp.10 CPC 2396 Theaceae Marattiaceae Begonia tetragona? CPC 1390 Bulbophyllum sp.11 CPC 1737 Camellia sp.1 CPC 1544 Angiopteris evecta? CPC 1432 Begonia viscosa, sp.nov. CPC 2438** Bulbophyllum sp.12 CPC 1975 Camellia sp.2 CPC 1644 Ophioglossaceae Begonia sp.1 CPC 884 Bulbophyllum sp.13 CPC 1975 Camellia sp.3 CPC 1674 Ophioglossum orientale? CPC Begonia sp.2 CPC 1472 Calanthe alismifolia CPC 1409 Thunberghiaceae 1507 Polypodiaceae s.l. Begonia sp.3 CPC 1516 Calanthe alleizettii CPC 1898 Thunbergia grandiflora CPC 1402 Adiantum caudatum CPC 1011, CPC 1152, CPC 2094, CPC 2148, CPC 2223, CPC 2306 Begonia sp.4 CPC 1555 Calanthe triplicata CPC 2349 Tiliaceae Antrophyum sp.1 CPC 962; CPC 1071; CPC 1104 Antrophyum sp.2 CPC 1540, CPC 1744, CPC 2095, CPC 2216, CPC 2238, CPC 2390 Asplenium antrophioides CPC 959, CPC 1485, CPC 1620, CPC 1923 Asplenium belangeri CPC 1129, CPC 1552 Begonia sp.5 CPC 1570 Calanthe sp.1 CPC 2016 Burettiodendron hsienmu CPC 2274 Begonia sp.6 CPC 1570 Calanthe sp.2 CPC 1461 Excentrodendron tonkinense CPC 1967 Begonia sp.7 CPC 1599 Callostylis rigida CPC 1052; CPC 1113, CPC 1385, CPC 2345 Begonia sp.8 CPC 1600 Ceratostylis himalaica CPC 958; CPC 1050, CPC 1833, CPC 2161, CPC 2401 Asplenium nidus CPC 1590 Begonia sp.9 CPC 1716 Cheirostylis chinensis CPC 1486, CPC 1798, CPC 1825, CPC 2423 Trilliaceae Paris chinensis? CPC 1448, CPC 1842 Paris fargesii CPC 1505 Asplenium prolongatum CPC 1976, CPC 2057 Begonia sp.10 CPC 1741 Cheirostylis cochinchinensis CPC 1425, CPC 1824, CPC 1893 Paris polyphyla? CPC 2420, CPC 1594 Asplenium saxicola CPC 1121, Begonia sp.11 CPC 1876 Cheirostylis latilabris CPC 982 Ulmaceae CPC 2205 Asplenium tenuifolium CPC 879, Begonia sp.12 CPC 2000 Cheirostylis marmorifolia CPC 2066, CPC Celtis sp.1 CPC 1436 CPC 1460, CPC 1738, CPC 1905, CPC 2150, CPC 2260, CPC 2299, CPC Asplenium sp.1. CPC 894 Begonia sp.13 CPC 2003 Cheirostylis takeoi CPC 1826, CPC 1892, Celtis sp.2 CPC 2047 CPC 2071 Asplenium sp.2. CPC 973 Begonia sp.14 CPC 2018 Cheirostylis yunnanensis CPC 1650, CPC Celtis sp.3 CPC , CPC 2220 Asplenium sp.3. CPC 1143 Begonia sp.15 CPC 2023 Chiloschista parishii CPC 2400 Gironniera subequalis CPC 1666 Asplenium sp.4. CPC 1012 Begonia sp.16 CPC 2036 Cleisostoma arietinum CPC 2312 Urticaceae 24

25 Asplenium sp.5. CPC 1013 Begonia sp.17 CPC 2046 Cleisostoma filiforme? CPC 1056 Boehmeria sp. CPC 2091 Asplenium sp.6. CPC 1014 Begonia sp.18 CPC 2102 Cleisostoma fuersteinbergianum CPC 868, CPC 1383 Debregeasia sp.? CPC 1509 Asplenium sp.7. CPC 1018 Begonia sp.19 CPC 2107 Cleisostoma melanorachis CPC 2361 Dendroclide urantissima CPC 1028 Asplenium sp.8. CPC 1019 Begonia sp.20 CPC 2127 Cleisostoma minutissima, sp.nov.? CPC Elatostema sp.1 CPC ** Asplenium sp.9. CPC 1041 Begonia sp.21 CPC 2173 Cleisostoma paniculatum? CPC 1877 Elatostema sp.2 CPC 1482 Asplenium sp.10. CPC 1069 Begonia sp.22 CPC 2199 Cleisostoma racimiferum? CPC 930 Elatostema sp.3 CPC 1538 Asplenium sp.11. CPC 1102 Begonia sp.23 CPC 2233 Cleisostoma rostratum CPC 1138, CPC 2231, CPC 2357 Elatostema sp.4 CPC 1559 Asplenium sp.12. CPC 1154 Begonia sp.24 CPC 2292 Cleisostoma sagittatum? CPC 2362 Elatostema sp.5 CPC 1615 Asplenium sp.13 CPC 1847 Begonia sp.25 CPC 2311 Cleisostoma striatum CPC 909, CPC 1496, CPC 1875, CPC 2207, CPC 2399 Asplenium sp.14 CPC 1881 Bombacaceae Cleisostoma williamsonii CPC 1816, CPC 2304, CPC 2387 Elatostema sp.6 CPC 1884 Elatostema sp.7 CPC 1920 Asplenium sp.15 CPC 2098 Bombax sp. CPC 1099 Cleisostoma sp.1 CPC 1919 Elatostema sp.8 CPC 1921 Asplenium sp.16 CPC 2112 Berberidaceae Cleisostoma sp.2 CPC 1991 Elatostema sp.9 CPC 2221 Asplenium sp.17 CPC 2189 Podophyllum tonkinense CPC 1714, CPC 1757 Cleisostoma sp.3 CPC 2359 Pilea chunii? CPC 1851 Asplenium sp.18 CPC 2202 Betulaceae Cleisostoma sp.4 CPC 2389 Pilea sp.1. CPC 946 Asplenium sp.19 CPC 2288 Carpinus viminea CPC 2164, CPC 2177 Coelogyne assamica CPC s.n. Pilea sp.2. CPC 1048 Asplenium sp.20 CPC 2310 Bignoniaceae Coelogyne fimbriata CPC 941; CPC 1003, CPC 2321 Belvesia sp.1 CPC 889; CPC 1074 Mayodendron igneum CPC 1417, CPC 2040, CPC 2277 Coelogyne huettneriana? CPC 1809, CPC 2099, CPC 2222 Pilea sp.3 CPC 1454 Pilea sp.4 CPC 2149 Belvisia sp.2 CPC 2042 Radermachera sp. CPC 1756 Coelogyne micrantha CPC 1077* Pilea sp.5 CPC 1500 Belvisia sp.3 CPC 2050 Gen.sp. CPC 2170 Coelogyne ovalis CPC 992; CPC 1054, CPC 1822, CPC 2300 Pilea sp.6 CPC 1611 Belvisia sp.4 CPC 2128 Brassicaceae Coelogyne rigida? CPC 2366 Pilea sp.7 CPC 1780 Belvisia sp.5 CPC 2379 Nasturtium sp. CPC 1753 Coelogyne schultesii? CPC 910 Pilea sp.8 CPC 1889 Blechnum orientale CPC 1531 Campanulaceae Coelogyne viscosa? CPC 2319 Pilea sp.9 CPC 2247 Blechnum sp.? CPC 1100 Codonopsis javanica CPC 983, CPC 1647, CPC 1747, CPC 1786 Coelogyne sp. CPC 2378 Pilea sp.10 CPC 2355 Cheilanthes sp.1 CPC 1068 Caprifoliaceae Corymborchis veratrifolia CPC 1502, Procris sp.1. CPC 1017 CPC 1578 Cheilanthes sp.2 CPC 1933 Lonicera sp. CPC 2190 Cymbidium cyperifolium CPC s.n., CPC Procris sp.2. CPC * Cheilanthes sp.3 CPC 2262 Viburnum sp.1 CPC 1835 Cymbidium dayanum CPC 1465 Procris sp.3 CPC 2283 Cibotium barometz CPC 1837 Viburnum sp.2 CPC 2184 Cymbidium eburneum? CPC 976 Villebrunnea sp.1 CPC 1468 Colysis sp.1 CPC 1497 Carlemanniaceae Cymbidium ensifolium CPC 1846 Villebrunnea sp.2 CPC 1524 Colysis sp.2 CPC 1622 Sylvianthus tonkinensis? CPC 1676 Cymbidium lancifolium CPC 1617, CPC Gen.sp.1 CPC Colysis sp.3 CPC 1759 Caryophyllaceae Dendrobium aphyllum CPC 2289 Gen.sp.2 CPC 1707 Colysis sp.4 CPC 1792 Gen. sp. CPC 1126, CPC 2448 Dendrobium cariniferum CPC 2429 Verbenaceae Coniogramme sp. CPC 1929 Cecropiaceae Dendrobium chrysanthum? CPC 933, Clerodendron sp.? CPC 2121 CPC 2354 Cyclosorus balansae CPC 1564 Poikilospermum suaveolens CPC 2076 Dendrobium crepidatum CPC 1914, CPC Viburnum sp. CPC Cyclosorus sp. CPC 1563 Celastraceae Dendrobium dixanthum CPC 1915* Gen.sp. CPC 938 Cyrtogonellum fraxinifolium CPC 1547, CPC 1880 Euonymus sp.1 CPC 1604 Dendrobium fimbriatum? CPC 1870 Violaceae Cyrtomiun hemionithes CPC 1002 Euonymus sp.2 CPC 2426 Dendrobium findlayanum CPC 1916, CPC 2315, CPC 2374* Viola sp.1 CPC 873 Cyrtomium sp.1. CPC 903 Euonymus sp.3 CPC 2309 Dendrobium finlaysonianum? CPC 1831 Viola sp.2 CPC 986 Cyrtomium sp.2. CPC 964 Chloranthaceae Dendrobium gratiosissimum CPC 1917 Viola sp.3 CPC

26 Cyrtomium sp.3. CPC 987 Chloranthus japonicus CPC 1895, CPC 2252 Dendrobium heterocarpum CPC s.n. Viola sp.4 CPC 1506 Cyrtomium sp.4. CPC 999 Clusiaceae Dendrobium jenkinsii CPC 1812, CPC 2213, CPC 2249, CPC 2388 Cyrtomium sp.5. CPC 1009 Garcinia fagraeoides CPC 1997, CPC 2025 Vitaceae Dendrobium loddigesii CPC 1063 Tetrastigma sp.1 CPC 1376 Cyrtomium sp.6. CPC 1047 Garcinia sp.1 CPC 1785 Dendrobium lomatochilum? CPC 1480 Tetrastigma sp.2 CPC 1653 Cyrtomium sp.7 CPC 1873 Garcinia sp.2 CPC 1908 Dendrobium longicornu. CPC s.n. Tetrastigma sp.3 CPC 1795 Cyrtomium sp.8 CPC 1938 Garcinia sp.3 CPC 2157 Dendrobium minutiflorum, sp.nov. CPC Zingiberaceae 2428** Davallia repens CPC 1533 Commelinaceae Dendrobium moniliforme CPC s.n. Alpinia sp.1 CPC 923 Davallia sp.1. CPC 1073 Pollia sp.1 CPC 1542 Dendrobium nobile CPC 2055 Alpinia sp.2 CPC 1406 Davallia sp.2. CPC 1108 Pollia sp.2 CPC 1694 Dendrobium nobile var. albolutea CPC Alpinia sp.3 CPC 1999 s.n. Davallia sp.3 CPC 1534 Spatholirion sp.1 CPC 1672 Dendrobium porphyrochilum CPC s.n. Amomum maximum CPC 1404 Davallia sp.4 CPC 2108 Spatholirion sp.2 CPC 1606 Dendrobium salaccense? CPC 1483 Distichochlamys citrea? CPC 1391 Davallia sp.5 CPC 2192 Streptolyrion volubilis CPC 968 Dendrobium senile CPC s.n.* Distichochlamys orlowii? CPC 1421, CPC 1523 Davallia sp.6 CPC 2200 Convallariaceae Dendrobium spatella CPC 1384, CPC 2212, CPC 2384 Davallia sp.7 CPC 2210 Aspidistra sp.1 CPC 1566 Dendrobium thyrsiflorum CPC 893, CPC 1942 Hedychium speciosum? CPC 2062, CPC 2203 Siliquamomum tonkinense CPC 1746 Davallia sp.8 CPC 2308 Aspidistra sp.2 CPC 1605 Dendrobium trantuanii CPC 2143, CPC Families undeterm Davallia sp.9 CPC 2334 Aspidistra sp.3 CPC 1980 Dendrobium trigonopus CPC 1141a, CPC Fam.gen.sp.1 CPC Diplazium donianum CPC 1585 Aspidistra sp.4 CPC 2410 Dendrobium sp.1 CPC 1141 Fam.gen.sp.2 CPC 1025 Diplazium sp. CPC 1561 Disporopsis longifolia CPC 1679, CPC 1793 Dendrobium sp.2 CPC 1761 Fam.gen.sp.3 CPC 2172 Drynaria bonii CPC 1424 Disporum sp. CPC 1693 Dendrobium sp.3 CPC 1799 Fam.gen.sp.4 CPC 2182 Drynaria sp.1 CPC 2075 Ophiopogon, sp.nov.? CPC 1455** Dendrobium sp.4 CPC 1985 Fam.gen.sp.5 CPC 2294 Drynaria sp.2 CPC 2330 Ophiopogon sp.1. CPC 996 Dendrobium sp.5 CPC 1989 Fam.gen.sp.6 CPC 2296 Lemmaphyllum microphyllum Ophiopogon sp.2. CPC 1128 Dendrobium sp.6 CPC 1990 Fam.gen.sp.7 CPC 2301 CPC 943 Lepisorus sp.1. CPC 944 Ophiopogon sp.3 CPC 1475 Dendrobium sp.7 CPC 2009 Fam.gen.sp.8 CPC 2356 Lepisorus sp.2. CPC 977 Ophiopogon sp.4 CPC 1557 Dendrobium sp.8 CPC 2011 Fam.gen.sp.9 CPC 1711 Lepisorus sp.3. CPC 1070 Ophiopogon sp.5 CPC 1925 Dendrobium sp.9 CPC 2012 Lepisorus sp.4 CPC 1510 Ophiopogon sp.6 CPC 1924 Dendrobium sp.10 CPC 2013 Lepisorus sp.5 CPC 1623 Polygonatum kingianum CPC 2125 Didymoplexiopsis vietnamensis CPC 1380, CPC 2258 Lepisorus sp.6 CPC 1932 Tupistra albiflora CPC 857 Epigeneium amplum CPC 926, CPC 1862, CPC 2323 Lepisorus sp.7 CPC 1971 Tupistra wattii CPC 900, CPC 1543, CPC 1788, CPC 1937, CPC 2181 Epigeneium chapaense CPC 2032 Lepisorus sp.8 CPC 2051 Tupistra sp.1 CPC 1079 Epigeneium labuanum CPC 995, CPC 1575 Lepisorus sp.9 CPC 2064 Tupistra sp.2 CPC 2084 Eria acervara CPC 2229, CPC 1819, CPC 2078, CPC 2325 Lepisorus sp.10 CPC 2134 Tupistra sp.3 CPC 2115 Eria amica CPC 1386, CPC 1587, CPC 1827 Lepisorus sp.11 CPC 2286 Tupistra sp.4 CPC 2284 Eria apertiflora CPC 2326 Lepisorus sp.12 CPC 2445 Tupistra sp.5 CPC 2381 Eria bambusifolia CPC 969 Leptochilus axillaris? CPC 1748 Convolvulaceae Eria calcarea CPC 1573, CPC 1866 Leptochilus sp.1 CPC 906 Parana volubilis CPC 872 Eria carinata CPC 887, CPC 1004 Leptochilus sp.2 CPC 1499 Crassulaceae Eria clausa CPC

27 Leptochilus sp.3 CPC 1927 Calanchoe sp. CPC 1107 Eria corneri CPC 892, CPC 1146, CPC 1601, CPC 1928 Leptochilus sp.4 CPC 1944 Sinocrassula indica CPC 1023 CPC 2041 CPC 2130* Eria gagnepainei CPC 1635 Leptochilus sp.5 CPC 2053 Cucurbitaceae Eria globulifera CPC 886, CPC 1114, CPC 1902 Leptochilus sp.6 CPC 2056 Gynostema sp. CPC 1645 Eria pachyphylla CPC 1149, CPC 2322 Loxogramme sp.1 CPC 1072 Gen.sp.1 CPC 1132 Eria paniculata CPC 997, CPC 2418 Loxogramme sp.2 CPC 1947 Gen.sp.2 CPC 2052 Eria pannea CPC 877, CPC 1586, CPC 1813, CPC 1979, CPC 2054, CPC 2133, CPC 2234, CPC 2395 Loxogramme sp.3 CPC 2160 Cuscutaceae Eria pusilla CPC 1728, CPC 2028 Loxogramme sp.4 CPC 2391 Cuscuta formosana CPC 1046 * Eria sp.1 CPC 1965 Microlepia sp.1 CPC 1569 Cuscuta sp. CPC 2436 Eria sp.2 CPC 1966 Microlepia sp.2 CPC 2219 Cyperaceae Eria sp.3 CPC 1987 Microsorum membranaceum CPC Carex baccans CPC 1016 Eria sp.4 CPC Mirosorum sp. 1 CPC 1103 Carex indica CPC 1577 Eria sp.5 CPC 2034 Microsorum sp.2 CPC 1567 Carex sp.1 CPC 1770 Eria sp.6 CPC 2152 Microsorum sp.3 CPC 1642 Carex sp.2 CPC 1855 Eria sp.7 CPC 2268 Microsorum sp.4 CPC 1768 Carex sp.3 CPC 2146 Eria sp.8 CPC 2328 Microsorum sp.5 CPC 2242 Carex sp.4 CPC 2337 Eriodes barbata CPC 925 Monocosorium sp. CPC 1053 Mapania sp. CPC 1838 Eulophia graminea CPC 2441 Neocheiropteris sp. CPC 902 Scleria sp. CPC 1899 Flickingeria angustifolia CPC 1057; CPC 1155 Oleandra pistilloides CPC 1463 Dioscoreaceae Flickingeria sp.1 CPC 1970 Oleandra sp.? CPC 931 Dioscorea sp. CPC 1095 Flickingeria sp.2 CPC 2093 Onichium siliculosum CPC 1094 Elaeocarpaceae Gastrochilus bellinus CPC 2116, CPC 2142, CPC 2287, CPC 2344 Phymatosorus scolopendria CPC 1142, CPC 2237 Elaeocarpus sp. CPC 1657 Gastrochilus calceolaris CPC 882, CPC 1494, CPC 1631, CPC 1821, CPC 1974, CPC 2364 Phymatosorus sp.1. CPC 895 Ericaceae Geodorum sp. CPC 1508 Phymatosorus sp.2. CPC 988 Rhododendron sp. CPC 945 Goodyera fumata CPC 1450 Phymatosorus sp.3 CPC 2039 Vaccinium sp.1. CPC 849 Goodyera hispida CPC 890, GCPC 1639, GCPC 1874 Polypodium bourretii CPC 2413, CPC 1686 Vaccinium sp.2. CPC 874 Goodyera sp. CPC 1779 Polypodium sp. CPC 1558 Vaccinium sp.3. CPC 937 Habenaria rhodocheila CPC 1115 Polystichum sp.1. CPC 888 Vaccinium sp.4. CPC 954 Holcoglossum amesianum CPC 2347* Polystichum sp.2. CPC 1061 Vaccinium sp.5. CPC 1007 Hygrochilus parishii CPC 1006, CPC 1055, CPC 2303 Polystichum sp.3. CPC 1090 Vaccinium sp.6 CPC 2004 Liparis cordifolia CPC 1484 Polystichum sp.4. CPC 1092 Vaccinium sp.7 CPC 2211 Liparis latilabris CPC 961 Polystichum sp.5. CPC 1105 Vaccinium sp.8 CPC 2380 Liparis mannii CPC 953, CPC 994, CPC 1109, CPC 1479, CPC 2406 Polystichum sp.6 CPC 1848 Euphorbiaceae Liparis nervosa CPC 1860 Polystichum sp.7 CPC 1882 Alchornia tiliifolia CPC 2145 Liparis nigra CPC 1527, CPC 1680 Polystichum sp.8 CPC 1930 Brydelia sp. CPC 1153 Liparis pumila CPC 1621, CPC 1732, CPC 1796, CPC 1811, CPC 1901 Polystichum sp.9 CPC 1939 Glochidion sp. CPC 1431 CPC 2029 Polystichum sp.10 CPC 2037 Mallotus phillipensis CPC 2183 Liparis viridiflora CPC 955, CPC 1030, CPC 1481, CPC 2092, CPC 2317, CPC 2405 Polystichum sp.11 CPC 2058 Mallotus sp. CPC 2194 Liparis sp.1 CPC

28 Polystichum sp.12 CPC 2080 Phyllanthus sp.? CPC 2193 Liparis sp.2 CPC 1765 Polystichum sp.13 CPC 2100 Sauropus sp.1 CPC 1382 Liparis sp.3 CPC 2007 Prosaptia sp.1 CPC 932 Sauropus sp.2 CPC 2087 Liparis sp.4 CPC 2419 Prosaptia sp.2 CPC 1727 Gen.sp.1 CPC 1122 Lockia sonii, gen. et sp. nov. CPC 1140** Pteridrys sp.? CPC 979 Gen.sp.2 CPC 1522 Ludisia discolor CPC 1743, CPC 1988 Pteris grevilleana? CPC 2217 Gen.sp.3 CPC 1654 Luisia morsei? CPC 1588 Pteris sp.1. CPC 965 Gen.sp.4 CPC 2096 Luisia zollingeri CPC 1156, CPC 2327, CPC 2442 Pteris sp.2. CPC 1029 Gen.sp.5 CPC 2218 Luisia sp. CPC 2132 Pteris sp.3 CPC 2086 Gen.sp.6 CPC 2240 Malaxis acuminata CPC 1583, CPC 1722, CPC 1740, CPC 1982 Pteris sp.4 CPC 2412 Fabaceae Miguelia annamensis? CPC 881 Pyrrosia lanceolata CPC 1430, CPC 2235, CPC 2333 Afgekia filipes CPC 2060 Miguelia somai CPC 1392, CPC 1451 Pyrrosia nummulariifolia CPC Albizia lucida CPC 1435 Monomeria barbata CPC 924; CPC , CPC 1101, CPC 1144, CPC 2208, CPC 1828* Pyrrosia sp.1. CPC 866 Bauhinia variegata CPC 2421 Monomeria gymnopus CPC 848; CPC 940, CPC 1897* Pyrrosia sp.2. CPC 867 Bauhinia sp.1 CPC 971 Oberonia cavaleriei CPC 883, CPC 1031, CPC 1049, CPC 1814, CPC 2045, CPC 2232, CPC 2402, CPC 2353 Pyrrosia sp.3. CPC 913 Bauhinia sp.2 CPC 1537 Oberonia ensiformis CPC 859, CPC 1062, CPC 1106, CPC 1887 Pyrrosia sp.4. CPC 1042 Bauhinia sp.3 CPC 2226 Oberonia kwangsiense CPC 1584 Pyrrosia sp.5. CPC 1075 Bauhinia sp.4 CPC 2336 Oberonia sp.1cpc 1725 Pyrrosia sp.6 CPC 1429 Campylotropis sp.1 CPC 1130 Oberonia sp.2cpc 1731 Pyrrosia sp.7 CPC 1553 Campylotropis sp.2 CPC 2138 Oberonia sp.3cpc 1968 Pyrrosia sp.8 CPC 1640 Derris sp. CPC 2204 Oberonia sp.4cpc 2019 Pyrrosia sp.9 CPC 1969 Dunbaria podocarpa? CPC 869 Odontochilus elwesii CPC 920 Pyrrosia sp.10 CPC 2030 Dunbaria sp. CPC 1035 Ornithochilus difformis CPC 1060, CPC 1630, CPC 1845, CPC 2038, CPC 2431 Pyrrosia sp.11 CPC 2031 Erythrina sp. CPC 2244 Otochilus fuscus Lindl. CPC 939 Pyrrosia sp.12 CPC 2073 Millettia sp. CPC 863 Panisea garrettii? CPC 2265, CPC 2290, CPC 2439 Pyrrosia sp.13 CPC 2101 Phylacium majus CPC 1081* Panisea tricallosa CPC 875, CPC 876, CPC 917, CPC 1086, CPC 2224, CPC 2266 Pyrrosia sp.14 CPC 2147 Saraca dives CPC 2313 Paphiopedilum canhii CPC 851, CPC 865, CPC 1913, CPC 2373, CPC 2422 Pyrrosia sp.15 CPC 2239 Sophora tonkinensis CPC 2404 Paphiopedilum coccineum CPC 918, CPC 998 Pyrrosia sp.16 CPC 2241 Zenia insignis CPC 2117 Paphiopedilum concolor CPC 2273, CPC 2424 Pyrrosia sp.17 CPC 2264 Fagaceae Paphiopedilum dianthum CPC 862, CPC 878, CPC 1087, CPC 2178, CPC 2383 Pyrrosia sp.18 CPC 2372 Quercus sp. CPC 2140 Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum var. escuirolei CPC 1574, CPC 1983, CPC 2006 Pyrrosia sp.19 CPC 2414 Flacourtiaceae Paphiopedilum malipoense CPC 880, CPC 1000, CPC 1638, CPC 1729, CPC 1861, CPC 1984, CPC 2392 Tectaria decurrens CPC 1532 Hydnocarpus sp. CPC 1844 Pelatantheria ctenoglossum? CPC 1148 Tectaria leuzeana CPC 1663 Gen.sp. CPC 1150 Pelatantheria insectifera CPC 1110, CPC 1549, CPC 2168, CPC 2206 Tectaria sp.1 CPC 1080 Gesneriaceae Phaius flavus CPC 1488, CPC 1943 Tectaria sp.2 CPC 1568 Aeschynanthus sp.1 CPC 936 Phaius tonkinense? CPC

29 Tectaria sp.3 CPC 1704 Aeschynanthus sp.2 CPC 1755 Phaius sp.1 CPC 1754 Tectaria sp.4 CPC 1834 Aeschynanthus sp.3 CPC 2129 Phaius sp.2 CPC 1977 Tectaria sp.5 CPC 2243 Boea sp.? CPC 908 Phalaenopsis gibbosa CPC 2104, CPC 2360 Thelypteris sp. CPC 1562 Chirita sp.nov.? CPC 2440** Phalaenopsis lobbii CPC 1619 Vittaria sp. CPC 1467 Chirita sp.1 CPC 1133 Phalaenopsis mannii CPC 1495 Woodwardia sp. CPC 2119 Chirita sp.2 CPC 2225 Phalaenopsis sp. CPC 1762 Gen.sp.1 CPC 1883 Paraboea sp.1 CPC 1696 Pholidota articulata? CPC 1066, CPC 2369 Gen.sp.2 CPC 1888 Paraboea sp.2 CPC 1777 Pholidota chinensis CPC 928 Gen.sp.3 CPC 2261 Paraboea sp.3 CPC 1972 Pholidota convallariae CPC 2394 Psilotaceae Paraboea sp.4 CPC 2026 Pholidota imbricata CPC 2316, CPC 2111 Psilotum nudum CPC 1452, CPC 1721, CPC 2035 Paraboea sp.5 CPC 2165 Pholidota levelleana Schltr.? CPC 991 Selaginellaceae Paraboea sp.6 CPC 2271 Pholidota missionariorum? CPC 929, CPC 1850 Selaginella tamariscina CPC 1117, CPC 2135 Rhynchothecum obovatum CPC 1776 Pholidota pallida CPC 1008, CPC 2155 Selaginella sp.1 CPC 896 Gen.sp.1 CPC 993 Pholidota roseans CPC 2267 Selaginella sp.2 CPC 1459 Gen.sp.2 CPC 1871 Pholidota yunnanensis CPC 960, CPC 1076, CPC 1112, CPC 1625, CPC 1581, CPC 1730 Selaginella sp.3 CPC 2024 Gen.sp.3 CPC 2257 Pholidota sp.1 CPC 1957 Pinophyta Hamamelidaceae Pholidota sp.2 CPC 2010 Cephalotaxaceae Altingia takhtadjanii? CPC 1907 Pholidota sp.3 CPC 2375 Amentotaxus argotaenia CPC 2275, CPC 2409 Cephalotaxus manii CPC 2044 Hippocastanaceae Hippeophyllum sp.nov.? CPC 1136** Aesculus assamica CPC 1661, CPC 1689 Podochilus khasianus CPC 1576, CPC 1879, CPC 1964 Cupressaceae Hypericaceae Podochilus oxistophylloides CPC 1582, CPC 1894 Calocedrus rupestris CPC 1864 Hypericum sampsonii CPC 1646 Porpax elwesii CPC 989 Fokienia hodginsii CPC 2122 Hypoxidaceae Renanthera coccinea CPC 2443 Cycadaceae Curculigo sp. CPC 1703 Renanthera vietnamensis CPC 2113 Cycas dolichophylla CPC 1444 Hypoxis aurea CPC 2126 Rhomboda petelottii CPC 922, CPC 2063, CPC 2416, CPC 1867 Cycas sp. CPC 2280 Illiciaceae Rhynchostylis giganthea CPC 2430 Pinaceae Illicium difengpii CPC 1626 Saccolabiopsis sp.? CPC 1592** Pinus kesya CPC 2118 Juglandaceae Sarcoglyphis brevilabia CPC 2106** Pinus kwangtungensis CPC 1852 Carya sp.? CPC 2158 Schoenorchis fragrans CPC 1138a, CPC 1817* Podocarpaceae Engelhardia spicatum? CPC 1843 Schoenorchis gemmata CPC 2027, CPC 2059 Dacrydium elatum CPC 2435 Engelhardia sp. CPC 2191 Schoenorchis scolopendria sp.nov. CPC 1139, CPC 1387, CPC 1818** Nageia wallichiana CPC 1546, CPC 1595, CPC 1699, CPC 1784 Platycarya strobilacea CPC 950 Spiranthes sinensis CPC 1641 Podocarpus annamiensis CPC Pterocarya stenoptera CPC 2449 Stereochilus brevirachis CPC 1853a 1724 Podocarpus nerifolius CPC 864, Lamiaceae Sunipia andersonii CPC 1005, CPC 1088 CPC 912, CPC 963, CPC 1808, CPC 1624, CPC 1723, CPC 1859, CPC 2256, CPC 2385 Podocarpus pilgeri CPC 1854 Ajuga sp.? CPC 1804 Sunipia scariosa CPC 915, CPC 956, CPC 1058, CPC 1890, CPC 2072 Taxaceae Gomphostemma sp.1 CPC 856 Taeniophyllum glandulosum CPC 1137, CPC 1823, CPC

30 Amentotaxus argotaenia CPC Gomphostemma sp.2 CPC 1698 Thelasis khasiana? CPC Taxus chinensis CPC 1857 Leonurus artemisia? CPC 1394 Thelasis pygmaea CPC 1815 Magnoliophyta Scutellaria sp.1? CPC 1637 Thrixspermum annamensis? CPC 1632 Acanthaceae Scutellaria sp.2? CPC 1849 Thrixspermum calceolus CPC 934, CPC 1067, CPC 1878, CPC 2048 Acanthus leucostachyus CPC Gen.sp.1 CPC 1036 Thrixspermum centipeda CPC 1442, CPC Cryptophragmium sp. CPC 1399 Gen sp.2 CPC 1936 Thrixspermum fragrans? CPC 1628 Hemigraphis glaucescens? CPC Gen.sp.3 CPC 1433 Trichosma coronaria CPC 935; CPC Plagicanthus sp.? CPC 1512 Gen.sp.4 CPC 1434 Trichotosia dasyphylla CPC 852, CPC 2397 Psiloestes sp.? CPC 1426 Gen.sp.5 CPC 1934 Trichotosia pulvinata? CPC 1627 Rungia sp. CPC 1037 Gen.sp.6 CPC 2278 Tropidia angulosa CPC 1379, CPC 1911, CPC 2175 Strobilanthes cusia CPC 966 Lardizabalaceae Tropidia curculigoides CPC 1633 Strobilanthes patheriformis? CPC 1412 Stauntonia sp.1 CPC 1528 Vanda brunnea CPC 891, CPC 1059, CPC 1945, CPC 2124, CPC 2432 Strobilanthes sp.1. CPC 1026 Stauntonia sp.2 CPC 1659 Vanda fuscoviridis? CPC 1853 Strobilanthes sp.2. CPC 855 Lauraceae Vanda pumila CPC 1820, CPC 2136, CPC 2343 Strobilanthes sp.3. CPC 904 Cinnamomum sp.1 CPC 1670 Vanda sp. CPC 1141b Strobilanthes sp.4. CPC 905 Cinnamomum sp.2 CPC 2005 Zeuxine parvifolia CPC 1458, CPC 1651, CPC 1836, CPC 1891, CPC 1986 Thunbergia sp. CPC 984 Litsea cubeba? CPC 1739 Gen.sp.1 CPC 1700 Gen.sp. CPC 854 Litsea sp.1 CPC 2408 Gen.sp.2 CPC 1720 Gen.sp. CPC 1471 Litsea sp.2 CPC 1839 Gen.sp.3 CPC 1742 Gen.sp. CPC 1489 Phoebe sp.? CPC 1407 Gen.sp.4 CPC 1745 Gen.sp. CPC 1613 Gen.sp. CPC 1869 Gen.sp.5 CPC 1763 Gen.sp. CPC 1671 Liliaceae s.l. Gen.sp.6 CPC 1764 Gen.sp. CPC 1697 Chlorophytum malayanum CPC 1478 Gen.sp.7 CPC 1773 Gen.sp. CPC 1769 Linaceae Gen.sp.8 CPC 1794 Gen.sp. CPC 1781 Tirpitzia sinensis CPC 2187 Gen.sp.9 CPC 1797 Gen.sp. CPC 1783 Lobeliaceae Gen.sp.10 CPC 1950 Gen.sp. CPC 2103 Lobelia nicotianifolia CPC 1096 Gen.sp.11 CPC 1951 Gen.sp. CPC 2171 Loranthaceae Gen.sp.12 CPC 1952 Gen.sp. CPC 2198 Loranthus sp.1 CPC 1134 Gen.sp.13 CPC 1953 Gen.sp. CPC 2250 Loranthus sp.2 CPC 2144 Gen.sp.14 CPC 1954 Gen.sp. CPC 2282 Magnoliaceae Gen.sp.15 CPC 1955 Gen.sp. CPC 2338 Kmeria septentrionalis CPC 1719, CPC 2022 Gen.sp.16 CPC 1956 Gen.sp. CPC 2358 Magnolia balansae? CPC 1994 Gen.sp.17 CPC 1958 Aceraceae Magnolia chevalieri? CPC 1439 Gen.sp.18 CPC 2015 Acer sp. CPC 2002 Magnolia liliifera CPC 1378, CPC 1381, CPC 1447, CPC 1520, CPC 1596, CPC 1682, CPC 1718, CPC 1760, CPC 1766, CPC 1787, CPC 1912, CPC 1992, CPC 2021 Gen.sp.19 CPC 2020 Amaranthaceae Magnolia liliiflora? CPC 2180 Gen.sp.20 CPC 1782 Aerva sp. CPC 1021, CPC 2236 Magnolia sp.1 CPC 1415 Gen.sp.21 CPC 1709 Deeringia amaranthoides CPC Magnolia sp.2 CPC 1456 Passifloraceae 1423, CPC 1673 Anacardiaceae Magnolia sp.3 CPC 1462 Adenia sp.? CPC

31 Pistacia weinmanniifolia CPC Magnolia sp.4 CPC 1474 Passiflora sp. CPC , CPC 2188, CPC 2339, CPC 2371 Annonaceae Magnolia sp.5 CPC 1501 Phytolaccaceae Miliusa balansae CPC 1683 Magnolia sp.6 CPC 1665 Phytolacca americana CPC 2043 Miliusa chinensis CPC 1408, CPC 2017, CPC 2088 Magnolia sp.7 CPC 1667 Piperaceae Miliusa sp. CPC 1805 Magnolia sp.8 CPC 1668 Gymnotheca sp. CPC 1525 Polyalthia sp.? CPC 1841 Magnolia sp.9 CPC 1684 Peperomia sp. CPC 2156 Gen.sp. CPC 1541 Magnolia sp.10 CPC 1767 Piper boehmerifolia CPC 1713 Gen.sp. CPC 1909 Magnolia sp.11 CPC 2259 Piper sp.1 CPC 1536 Gen.sp. CPC 1948 Manglietia sp.1 CPC 1389 Piper sp.2 CPC 1664 Gen.sp. CPC 2195 Manglietia sp.2 CPC 1829 Piper sp.3 CPC 1687 Gen.sp. CPC 2209 Manglietia sp.3 CPC 1868 Piper sp.4 CPC 1688 Gen.sp. CPC 2281 Manglietia sp.4 CPC 1872 Piper sp.5 CPC 1715 Gen.sp. CPC 2302 Michelia balansae? CPC 1413, CPC 1469, CPC 1517, CPC 1656 Piper sp.6 CPC 1736 Gen.sp. CPC 2305 Michelia sp.1 CPC 1440 Piper sp.7 CPC 1973 Gen.sp. CPC 2340 Michelia sp.2 CPC 1443 Poaceae Apiaceae Michelia sp.3 CPC 1513 Bambusoideae Gen.sp.1 CPC 1044 Hydrocotyle siamensis? CPC 1539 Michelia sp.4 CPC 1514 Bambusoideae Gen.sp.2 CPC 1438 Hydrocotyle sp. CPC 981 Michelia sp.5 CPC 1518 Bambusoideae Gen.sp.3 CPC 1940 Sanicula sp.? CPC 897 Michelia sp.6 CPC 1579 Polygalaceae Xyloselinum leonidii CPC 1120, CPC 1903 Michelia sp.7 CPC 1580 Polygala sp. CPC 1865 Apocynaceae Michelia sp.8 CPC 1662 Primulaceae Beaumontia pitardii CPC 1437, CPC 2393 Michelia sp.9 CPC 1802 Lysimachia insignis CPC 1560, CPC 1593, CPC 1749, CPC 2014 Strophanthus sp. CPC 985 Michelia sp.10 CPC 1904 Lysimachia vittiformis? CPC 2097 Tabernaemontana sp. CPC 1669 Michelia sp.11 CPC 1993 Lysimachia sp.1 CPC 980 Wrightia stellata? CPC 2214 Michelia sp.12 CPC 2246 Lysimachia sp.2 CPC 2263 Wrightia sp.? CPC 2446 Michelia sp.13 CPC 2276 Lysimachia sp.3 CPC 2437 Gen.sp. CPC 1733 Michelia sp.14 CPC 2434 Proteaceae Araceae Parakmeria yunnanensis? CPC 1858 Helicia sp. CPC 1660 Aglaonema sp. CPC 1504 Parakmeria sp.1 CPC 1597 Ranunculaceae Amorphophallus sp.1 CPC 1388 Parakmeria sp.2 CPC 1598 Clematis sp.1. CPC 870 Amorphophallus sp.2 CPC 1470 Parakmeria sp.3 CPC 1618 Clematis sp.2. CPC 974 Amorphophallus sp.3 CPC 1806 Parakmeria sp.4 CPC 1900 Clematis sp.3. CPC 975 Amorphophallus sp.4 CPC 1922 Parakmeria sp.5 CPC 1896 Clematis sp.4. CPC 1022 Amorphophallus sp.5 CPC 2082 Gen.sp.1 CPC 1685 Clematis sp.5. CPC 1027 Amorphophallus sp.6 CPC 2285 Gen.sp.2 CPC 871 Clematis sp.6. CPC 1038 Amorphophallus sp.7 CPC 2425 Malpighiaceae Clematis sp.7. CPC 1083 Arisaema sp.1 CPC 1476 Aspidopteris sp.1 CPC 1043; CPC 1147 Clematis sp.8. CPC 1084 Arisaema sp.2 CPC 1490 Aspidopteris sp.2 CPC 1428 Clematis sp.9. CPC 1085 Arisaema sp.3 CPC 1616 Aspidopteris sp.3 CPC 1691 Clematis sp.10. CPC 1098 Homalomena tonkinensis CPC Aspidopteris sp.4 CPC 2083 Clematis sp.11. CPC Pothos grandis CPC 1422, CPC Hiptage sp. CPC 2215 Clematis sp.12 CPC Pothos grandis? CPC 1774 Melasomataceae Clematis sp.13 CPC

32 Pothos loureiroi? CPC 1464 Blastus sp. CPC 858 Clematis sp.14 CPC 2185 Pothos sp. CPC 1961 Medinilla assamica CPC 1519 Thalictrum sp. CPC 2131 Remusatia vivipara CPC 914, CPC 1093, CPC 2307 Memecylon coeruleum s.l. CPC 1127 Rosaceae Rhaphidophora sp. CPC 2230 Meliaceae Duchesnia indica CPC 1401 Steudnera englerii CPC 1526 Aglaja sp. CPC 1119 Eryobotria sp.1 CPC 861 Araliaceae Cipadessa baccifera CPC 1397 Eriobotrya sp.2 CPC 2176 Aralia sp. CPC 1045 Toona sp. CPC 2335 Photinia cucphuongensis CPC 1548 Brassaiopsis sp. CPC 2065 Walsura sp.1 CPC 2069 Spiraea myrtilloides CPC 1906, CPC 2154 Schefflera leucantha? CPC 1751 Walsura sp.2 CPC 2331 Spiraea sp. CPC 1123 Schefflera sp.1 CPC 1427 Menispermaceae Rubiaceae Schefflera sp.2 CPC 1491 Stephania sp.1 CPC 1033 Hedyotis capitellatus CPC 1658 Schefflera sp.3 CPC 1690 Stephania sp.2 CPC 1416 Hedyotis sp.1 CPC 1116 Schefflera sp.4 CPC 1856 Stephania sp.3 CPC 2153 Hedyotis sp.2 CPC 2228 Schefflera sp.5 CPC 1941 Gen.sp.1. CPC 1032 Hedyotis sp.3 CPC 2248 Schefflera sp.6 CPC 2077 Gen.sp.2. CPC 1034 Ixora sp.1 CPC 911 Schefflera sp.7 CPC 2169 Gen.sp.3. CPC 1040 Ixora sp.2 CPC 1503 Schefflera sp.8 CPC 2415 Moraceae Ixora sp.3 CPC 1550 Trevesia palmata CPC 1609 Ficus sp.1 CPC 1151 Keenania sp.? CPC 1410 Trevesia vietnamensis CPC 1545, CPC 1603, CPC 1778 Ficus sp.2 CPC 2151 Ophiorrhiza sp.1. CPC 1091 Arecaceae Ficus sp.3 CPC 2407 Ophiorrhiza sp.2. CPC 947 Caryota sp. CPC 1840 Malaisia scandens CPC 1420, CPC Ophiorrhiza sp.3 CPC Licuala sp.1 CPC 1530 Myrsinaceae Ophiorrhiza sp.4 CPC 1565 Licuala sp.2 CPC 1708 Ardisia sylvestris CPC 1692 Ophiorrhiza sp.5 CPC 1636 Rhapis excelsa? CPC 1807, CPC Ardisia sp.1 CPC 1449 Ophiorrhiza sp.6 CPC Rhapis sp. CPC 2444 Ardisia sp.2 CPC 1473 Ophiorrhiza sp.7 CPC 1717 Rhapis sp. CPC 1145 Ardisia sp.3 CPC 2089 Ophiorrhiza sp.8 CPC 1886 Aristolochiaceae Embelia sp. CPC 1571 Ophiorrhiza sp.9 CPC 2251 Aristolochia hainanensis? CPC 1790 Asarum balansae CPC 1521, CPC 1695 Asclepiadaceae Maesa sp.1 CPC 1396 Ophiorrhiza sp.10 CPC 2254 Maesa sp.2 CPC 1398 Paederia sp. CPC 970 Myrsine kwangsiensis CPC 1135, CPC 2295 Pavetta sp.1? CPC 1634 Dischidia sp. CPC 2227 Myrsine sp.1 CPC 860 Pavetta sp.2? CPC 2272 Hoya multiflora CPC 2433 Myrsine sp.2 CPC 2001 Randia sp.1 CPC 1800 Hoya sp.1. CPC 885 Gen.sp. CPC 1492 Randia sp.2 CPC 2196 Hoya sp.2. CPC 948 Myrtaceae Sylvianthus sp. CPC 2090 Hoya sp.3. CPC 951 Syzygium sp. CPC 2174 Uncaria macrophylla CPC 1648 Hoya sp.4 CPC 2049 Oleaceae Uncaria sp. CPC 1649 Hoya sp.5 CPC 2342 Jasminum sp.1. CPC 1118 Wndlandia sp. CPC 1001 Marsdenia tinctoria? CPC 2079 Jasminum sp.2. CPC 1124 Gen.sp.1 CPC 899 Gen.sp. CPC 2297 Jasminum sp.3 CPC 1978 Gen.sp.2 CPC 2159 Asparagaceae Jasminum sp.4 CPC 2074 Rutaceae Asparagus sp. CPC 2061 Jasminum sp.5 CPC 2114 Clausena sp.1 CPC 1655 Asteraceae Jasminum sp.6 CPC 2197 Clausena sp.2 CPC 1791 Blumea balsamifera CPC 1678 Ligustrum chinense? CPC 1393 Clausena sp.3 CPC

33 Blumea sp.1 CPC 853 Osmanthus sp.1? CPC 1772 Clausena sp.4 CPC 1998 Blumea sp.2 CPC 1608 Osmanthus sp.2? CPC 1830 Euodia triphylla CPC 1750 Cirsium sp.? CPC 1020 Gen.sp.1 CPC 1810 Glycosmis sp.1 CPC 1418 Gerbera sp.? CPC 2166 Gen.sp.2 CPC 2447 Glycosmis sp.2 CPC 1441 Gnaphalium sp.? CPC 1015 Opiliaceae Muraya sp. CPC 2341 Gynura sp. CPC 2081 Meliantha suavis CPC 1671 Ruta sp.? CPC 2163 Mulgedium sp.? CPC 2085 Orchidaceae Toddalia sp.? CPC 2120 Senecio scandens CPC 2067 Acampe ochracea CPC s.n. Gen.sp.1 CPC 967 Vernonia arborea CPC 2068 Acampe rigida CPC 1010; CPC 1064 Gen.sp.2 CPC 2293 Vernonia sp.1. CPC 898 Acanthephyppium striatum CPC 1551 Sabiaceae Vernonia sp.2. CPC 907 Aerides odorata? CPC 1572, CPC 2398 Sabia sp.1? CPC 1726 Vernonia sp.3. CPC 978 Anoectochilus calcareus CPC 919, CPC 1457, CPC 1863 Sabia sp.2? CPC 1996 Vernonia sp.4. CPC 1082 Appendicula hexandra CPC 2386 Santalaceae Vernonia sp.5 CPC 1377 Appendicula torta CPC 2329* Gen.sp. CPC 2186 Vernonia sp.6 CPC 1419 Bulbophyllum ambrosia CPC 1111 Sapotaceae Vernonia sp.7 CPC 1607 Vernonia sp.8 CPC 2179 Bulbophyllum apodum? CPC 927; CPC 957, CPC 2376 Bulbophyllum atropurpureum? CPC 1959, CPC 1981 Sinosideroxylon sp.? CPC 1735, CPC 2139, CPC 2350 Gen.sp. CPC 1089 Gen.sp.1. CPC 1024 Bulbophyllum delitescens CPC 2324 Saxifragaceae Gen.sp.2. CPC 1097 Bulbophyllum hastatum CPC 1918, CPC 2245, CPC 2269a Itoa orientalis CPC 1935 Gen.sp.3 CPC 2070 Bulbophyllum hirtum CPC 2368 Scrophulariaceae Balanophoraceae Bulbophyllum lockii Aver. CPC 921 Gen.sp. CPC 1675 Balanophora sp. CPC 901 Bulbophyllum nigrescens CPC 2137, CPC 2269 Simaroubaceae Balsaminaceae Bulbophyllum nipondhii CPC 2314 Brucea javanica CPC 2298, CPC 2332 Impatiens sp.1 CPC 1078 Bulbophyllum odoratissimum CPC 2162, CPC 2169a Smilacaceae Impatiens sp.2 CPC 1445 Bulbophyllum reptans CPC 1832 Heterosmilax sp. CPC 2291 Impatiens sp.3 CPC 1498 Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum CPC 1156a, CPC 2318* Impatiens sp.4 CPC 1515 Bulbophyllum xylophyllum CPC 949, CPC 1629, CPC 2033 Smilax sp.1 CPC 1652 Smilax sp.2 CPC 1803 Impatiens sp.5 CPC 1602 Bulbophyllum sp.nov.1? CPC 2253** Solanaceae Impatiens sp.6 CPC 1705 Bulbophyllum sp.1 CPC 1960 Solanum indicum CPC

34 Appendix 2 Notes to report illustrations Maps of explored area Fig.1. Area of priorital field explorations designated on topographic maps of NE Indochina and NW Vietnam. Fig.2. Studied area of NE Indochina (outlined with red line) and localities of field works designated with black figures. 34

35 Landscape and typical landforms in studied area Fig.3. Alluvial shale valley with scattered more or less isolated massifs of remnant rocky hills and mountains composed with highly eroded solid crystalline, marble-like rocky limestone (Dien Bien prov., Vietnam). Fig.4. Rolling hills composed with shale to the west of Paphiopedilum canhii area (Phongsali Prov., NW Laos). Fig.5. Alluvial shale valley with scattered typical remnant rocky mountains composed with highly eroded solid crystalline, marble-like rocky limestone (Son La Prov., Vietnam). Fig Typical remnant rocky mountains composed with highly eroded solid crystalline, marble-like rocky limestone in Dien Bien Prov. (Vietnam) at elev m (fig. 8) and Son La Prov. at elev m (fig. 6, 7, 9, 10). Character of landscape and landforms in discovered area of Paphiopedilum canhii Fig.11. Satellite and topographic maps with indication of discovered and studied localities of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality). Studied localities are marked on the maps with red dots; still existing highly depleted populations of the species indicated with round green shade. Fig.12. General character of landscape, landforms and vegetation in discovered area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality). Views from top of mountain at elev m. in locality 3 to N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW. 35

36 Fig.13. Alluvial flat valley elevated at about 700 m a.s.l. in vicinity of Na U village in a few km to S of Paphiopedilumcanhii area. Fig.14, 15. Several rocky hills elevated to m a.s.l. composed with highly eroded solid crystalline, marble-like gray limestone in few km to N of Na U village represent very restricted area of Paphiopedilum canhii. Main kinds of vegetation in studied area Fig.16. Shady N, NW and NE faced cliffs of rocky limestone hills at elevation about 950 m a.s.l. give home to habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii. Fig.17,18. Remnants of primary broadleaved evergreen closed humid submontane forests on tops of remnant limestone hills in area of Paphiopedilum canhii habitats at elev m a.s.l. Forests of this type were original highly endemic plant formation on rocky limestone all over studied areas of NE Indochina. 36

37 Fig.19. Spring aspect of primary broad-leaved evergreen closed humid submontane forest on tops of remnant limestone ridges with remarkable proportion of deciduous trees (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., at elev m a.s.l.). Fig.20. Modification of primary broad-leaved evergreen closed humid submontane wet forest on tops of remnant limestone hills with rich epiphytic vegetation (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., at elev m a.s.l.). Fig.21. Modification of primary broad-leaved evergreen closed submontane rather dry forest on very steep slopes and cliffs of remnant limestone mountain (Son La Prov. and Distr., Chieng Co Municipality, at elev. about 900 m a.s.l.). Fig.22, 23. Degraded primary broad-leaved evergreen dry forest on vertical cliffs of remnant highly eroded limestone mountain (Son La Prov. and Distr., Chieng Co Municipality, at elev. about m a.s.l.). 37

38 Character of Paphiopedilum canhii habitats Fig Vertical mossy cliffs at elev m a.s.l. composed with highly eroded solid crystalline, marble-like, gray limestone staying under permanent stable humidity and shade supported by intact primary forest is highly threatened and endangered habitat of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality, at elev m a.s.l.). Fig.35. In intact primary forest lithophytes (mainly orchids and ferns) form dense continuous cover of rocky outcrops on tops of remnant limestone hills. Orchids in such habitats reach their maximal diversity and abundance (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., at elev m a.s.l.). Fig.36. In intact primary forest on tops of remnant limestone hills epiphytes (mainly orchids and ferns) reach their maximal diversity and abundance (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., at elev m a.s.l.). 38

39 Paphiopedilum canhii in its natural habitats and estimation of its present status Fig Paphiopedilum canhii in its typical natural habitats. Plants in natural conditions growth as typical highly specialized lithophyte on vertical cliffs with roots densely adpressed to solid limestone. Stable permanent humidity and shade of habitat is obligate requirement for species survival. Fig Marks from roots of gathered samples of Paphiopedilum canhii on vertical limestone wall that give bright evidence of recent mass plant collecting (photo made in December 2011). Fig Evidence of recent mass plant collecting in former dense intact fullblooded populations of Paphiopedilum canhii. Traces of eliminated plants and still survived specimens are indicated by red and green arrows respectively. Plant collecting until December 2010 eliminated from 99% to 100% plants in all known subpopulations. In few observed highly depleted clones (with maximal number of survived samples) were eliminated from 69% (fig. 55) to 96% (fig. 54) plants. Survival samples are commonly represented by juvenile or highly decreased senile plants not capable for further propagation. Fig.56. Polygon of formal Paphiopedilum canhii occupancy on satellite map. Studied localities (were studied all localities appropriate for species survival in the area) are marked on the map with red dots; localities were highly depleted populations of the species still exist are indicated with round green shade. Total area of formal speculative species occupancy is area of polygon pointed by 5 existing subpopulations with approximate square 0.35 km 2. Paphiopedilum canhii morphology Fig.57. Paphiopedilum canhii morphology: a flowering plant; b leaves from above and from below; c flowers, half-side and frontal view; d base of column and petals; e lip, frontal, side and sagittal section views; f glandular hairs at the base of petals and lip; g staminodes, frontal, side views and view from below; h staminode, half-side view from below; i anther, views from above and from below; j peduncle, floral bract and capsule (all drawn from epitype - Phan Ke Loc HAL 12907). 39

40 Fig.58. Paphiopedilum canhii digital herbarium sheet (CPC 2422). Associated Paphiopedilum species in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii Fig Paphiopedilum malipoense S.C.Chen et Z.H.Tsi. Critically endangered species endemic for Indochinese area (Fig : Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 1000; Fig. 60: Hoa Binh Prov., Lac Son Distr., CPC 1638). Fig Paphiopedilum coccineum Perner et R.Herrmann. Critically endangered species endemic for Indochinese area (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 918 and CPC 998). Fig.67. Paphiopedilum concolor (Lindl. ex Bateman) Pfitzer Tang et F.T.Wang. Rare species of Indochina (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality, CPC 2424). Fig Paphiopedilum dianthum Tang et F.T.Wang. Endangered species endemic for Indochinese area ( Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality, Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr. and Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., CPC 862, CPC 878 and CPC 1087). Specific spectacular plant species in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii Fig Vaccinium sp. Tuberiferous epiphytic or lithophytic scandent shrub species, most probably new for the flora of Vietnam (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality and Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 849, CPC 874 and CPC 954). Fig.74. Vaccinium sp. Tuberiferous epiphytic pendulous shrub species common in the area (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 1007). Fig.75, 76. Vaccinium sp. Tuberiferous epiphytic and lithophytic creeping shrub species common in the area (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 937). Fig Selaginella tamariscina (P. Beauv.) Spring. Spectacular lithophytic herb occurring on vertical limestone cliffs in studied area (Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality, CPC 1117). 40

41 Discovered genera and species new for science Fig Lockia sonii Aver., gen. and sp.nov. New for science natural generic hybrid of Luisia and Vanda discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality, CPC 1140). Fig.83, 84. Begonia viscosa Aver., sp.nov. Lithophytic under shrub endemical for Van Vieng limestone massif (Vientiane Prov., Van Vieng mountains, CPC 2438). Fig.85, 86. Dendrobium munutiflora Aver., sp.nov. Endemic of NE Laos and NW Vietnam (Phongsali Prov., Muong May Distr., CPC 2428). Fig.87. Saccolabiopsis sp.nov. Very rare canopy epiphyte (Hoa Binh Prov., Tu Do Distr., CPC 1592). Fig Schoenorchis scolopendria Aver., sp.nov. Very rare endemic discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality, CPC 1139). Discovered genera and species new for the flora of Vietnam Fig.91, 92. Bulbophyllum violaceolabellum Seidenf. Species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Na U area, CPC 2318). Fig.93, 94. Coelogyne micrantha Lindl. Species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., CPC 1077). Fig.95, 96. Cuscuta formosana Hayata. Parasitic achlorophyllous vine new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 1046). Fig.97, 98. Cymbidium cyperifolium Wall. ex Lindl. Orchid species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Son La Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.99. Dendrobium dixanthum Rchb.f. Orchid species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Distr., CPC s.n.). Fig Dendrobium findlayanum Par. et Rchb.f. Orchid species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Distr., Na U area, CPC 2315). Fig.103. Dendrobium senile Par. et Rchb.f. Very rare orchid species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.104. Holcoglossum amesianum (Rchb.f.) Christenson. Very rare orchid species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Distr., Na U area, CPC 2347). Fig.105, 106. Monomeria gymnopus (Hook.f.) Aver. Species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality, CPC 848; Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 941). 41

42 Fig.107, 108. Phylacium majus Collett et Hemsl. New species for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., CPC 1081). Fig.109, 110. Pyrrosia nummulariifolia (Sw.) Ching. New species for the flora of Vietnam discovered in habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Distr., Na U area, CPC 850). Fig.111. Schoenorchis fragrans (Par. et Rchb.f.) Seidenf. et Smitinand. Very rare orchid species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality, CPC 1138). Fig.112. Sinocrassula indica (Decne) A.Berger. Very rare species new for the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., CPC 2041). Rare ornamental and spectacular orchid species associated with Paphiopedilum canhii Fig.113. Anoectochilus calcareus Aver. Lithophytic and terrestrial orchid species closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 924, CPC 990). Local calcium dependent species endemic for northern Vietnam. Fig.114, 115. Bulbophyllum lockii Aver. Very rare orchid species in the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 921). Local endemic of north-western Vietnam. Fig. 116, 117. Bulbophyllum nigrescens Rolfe. Very rare orchid species in the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 2137). Local endemic of north Indochina. Fig. 118, 119. Callostylis rigida Blume. Creeping epiphytic and lithophytic orchid species closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., CPC 1052; Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality, CPC 1113). Fig.120. Coelogyne assamica Linden et Rchb.f. Epiphytic orchid species associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.121. Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl. et Paxton. Epiphytic orchid species associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.122. Dendrobium harveyanum Rchb.f. Very rare epiphytic orchid species associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.123. Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindl. Rare epiphytic orchid species associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Phongsali Prov., Muong May Distr., CPC s.n., CPC 2428 ass.). Fig.124. Dendrobium moniliforme Sw. Epiphytic orchid species associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.125. Dendrobium nobile Lindl. var. albolutea D.H.Duong et Aver. Epiphytic orchid species associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.126. Dendrobium porphyrochilum Lindl. Very rare orchid species in the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Fig.127. Dendrobium trantuanii Perner et X.N.Dang. Very rare local endemic discovered in habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Na U area, CPC 2417). First photo in nature. Fig.128. Eriodes barbata (Lindl.) Rolfe. Very rare orchid species in the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 925). 41

43 Fig.129, 130. Monomeria barbata Lindl. Lithophytic and epiphytic orchid species closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 924, CPC 990). Fig.131. Panisea garrettii (I.D.Lund) Aver. Lithophytic and epiphytic orchid species closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 876, CPC 917; Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., CPC 1086). Fig.132, 133. Porpax elwesii (Rchb.f.) Rolfe. Very rare orchid species in the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 989). Fig.134. Stereochilus brevirachis Christenson. Very rare local endemic in the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 1853a). First photo in nature. Fig.135. Sunipia andersonii (King et Pantl.) P.F.Hunt. Epiphytic orchid species closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 1005; Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr., CPC 1088). Fig.136. Taeniophyllum glandulosum Blume. Very rare leafless orchid species in the flora of Vietnam discovered in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality, CPC 1137). Fig Vanda brunnea Rchb.f. Endangered epiphytic orchid species of great horticultural significance closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii in its natural habitats (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 891, CPC 2124; Muong Cha Distr., CPC 1945; Phongsali Prov., Muong May Distr., CPC 2432). Fig Vanda brunnea Rchb.f. Endangered epiphytic orchid species of great horticultural significance closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii. Variation in shape and coloration of flower in natural populations(dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr., CPC 891, CPC 2124; Muong Cha Distr., CPC 1945; Phongsali Prov., Muong May Distr., CPC 2432). Fig.154. Vanda brunnea Rchb.f. Endangered epiphytic orchid species of great horticultural significance closely associated with habitats of Paphiopedilum canhii. Opening flowers of very rare albino form (Dien Bien Prov., CPC s.n.). Main factors of fast extinction of aboriginal species in native area of Paphiopedilum canhii Fig.155. Logging of timber trees of canopy primary forest stratum (Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.) in discovered area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality). Fig.156. Secondary weed vegetation completely lacking aboriginal species 42

44 on the top of remnant hill composed with highly eroded solid crystalline, marble- like rocky limestone (Son La Prov., Mai Son Distr.). Result of deep irreversible degradation of primary flora and vegetation succeeded after primary forest logging. Fig.157, 158. Wide agricultural fields rapidly replacing primary vegetation in discovered area of Paphiopedilum canhii (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr.) for cultivation of maize. Fig.159, 160. Wide areas of primitive planting of maize on rocky badlands and in valleys after forest logging and burning rapidly replacing primary vegetation in all over studied area (Son La Prov., Mai Son Distr. fig. 145 and Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality fig. 146). Fig.161. Wide areas of primitive planting of maize on rocky badlands and terracing of slopes for rice paddy-fields rapidly replacing primary vegetation in all over studied area (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr.). Fig.162. Top of remnant rocky limestone hill occupied by community of aggressive exotic weed species with domination of Euphorbia antiquorum L. fatally replacing species of indigenous aboriginal flora in all studied area (Son La Prov., Mai Son Distr.). Fig.163, 164. Mining, road and other communication construction fatally lead to full destruction not only vegetation, but also specific landforms all over studied area (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality fig. 149; Son La Prov., Mai Son Distr. fig. 150). Fig.165, 166. Full collapse of native vegetation after forest burning for primitive agriculture (Phongsali Prov., Muong May Distr., to the W of Paphiopedilum canhii area). Large majority of orchids offered on local markets are collected in irreversible destroyed habitats. Various restrictions for their sale delete last chance of their survival. In conditions of total present day deforestation, any sale and plant delivery restrictions play strongly negative role for global plant diversity conservation. Fig Paphiopedilum canhii in local nurseries of Dien Bien City. Commercial plant collecting, much exceeding demands of the market and poor cultivation facilities for their successful growing in local nurseries leads to loss of most wild collected specimens. Some scenes of field works according to current project Fig.171. Observation of landscape and vegetation from the top of rocky, limestone mountain, Prof. L.Averyanov (Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality). Fig.172. Photography of Paphiopedilum canhii on vertical limestone cliff, Mr. Chu Xuan Canh (Dien Bien Prov. and Distr., Na U Municipality). Fig.173. Climbing on steep rocky slope of limestone mountain during field works, Mr. Pham Van The (Son La Prov., Chieng Co Municipality). Fig.174. Study of Paphiopedilum coccineum in its typical natural habitat Prof. L.Averyanov (Dien Bien Prov., Tua Chua Distr.). 43

45 Fig.175. Fieldwork in close cooperation of FPD (Forest Protection Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) officers, Prof. L.Averyanov and Mr. Nguyen Tien Vinh under photography of collected plants (Dien Bien Prov., Muong Cha Distr.). Fig.176, 177. Talks with orchid dealers on local markets for information on diversity and distribution of orchid species offered for sale, Prof. L.Averyanov and Mr. Nguyen Tien Vinh (Dien Bien and Son La cities) Technical notes: Report should be sent at July 2011 to following agencies: The Rufford Small Grant Foundation Jane Raymond American Orchid Society, Education and Research Department Dr. Pamela Giust Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund Dr Carla Owens 42