The enormous variety of ecosystem and natural biodiversity in the land of the black pearl is the house of much endemic flora and fauna. For your information, west Papua and Papua are known as the most diverse in the tropics. It is also known to have as many as 3,000 orchids and 25,000 species of vascular plants. Some of them are known as endemic plants.
Some Endemics Plants Found In The Conservation Province
1. Anggrek Hitam
Angggrek Hitam or Black Orchid is the endemic plant from the province. Even though the plants have been distributed, sold, and cultivated outside the region, but it still part of Papuan’s flora. As the name implies, this orchid has a stunning black purplish color which looks endearing as a plant. Thu petal clad in black, meanwhile the lip is in white-purple.
The exotic dark flower is considered rare since it is hard to cultivate in a different region. Those who want to cultivate it need to plant the seed in areas with similar habitat conditions. Thus, the succession of cultivation is barely in 20-30% for each season. However, this Black orchid is also found in some other areas including Kalimantan, Nepal, China, or the Philippines.
2. Anggrek Besi
It is not a surprise if West Papua and Papua boast their unique biodiversity. It has several new orchids that are mostly rare or hardly found in a different location. One of them is the Anggrek Besi or Iron Orchid. Just because it is named iron does not mean it is as tough as metal. It is called iron due to its exotic color.
The lip and cap are clad in the shade of purple and whites. The blend creates a sense of metallic color. Not only that, but the flower also has a green petal that bent backward. The unique appearance makes it one of the exotic orchids found in the area. It is also considered one of the rarest orchids from Papua.
That is why not many people can witness and see the orchid. If one has to buy it, the buyer will need to pay a higher price. Anggrek Besi can get a price tag of 10+ million rupiahs. It is considered as a high price. So, it is mainly for collectors or conservation. Those who want to see it can also consider visiting some orchid sanctuary in west Papua.
3. Anggrek Stuberi
Another orchid that is hardly available due to its rarity and the endangered statue is Anggrek Stuberi. The orchid has a pretty unique appearance both from its color and shape. It has a contrasting color blend of bright purple and white petals. While it does unique color, the shape is also extraordinary. The petal has wavy shapes that make it like a twister stick.
It makes the orchid one of the most unique endemic plants in the region. Due to its situation and condition, Anggrek Stuberi falls under the endangered and protected flora. Thus, it is only available and found in some orchid sanctuaries or conservation. No one can get it or cultivate it since it is pretty much protected.
4. Pisang Musa Ingens
It is not a surprise if the thick carpet of the lush forest is also a home of unique fruits. Pisang Musa Ingens is an example. It is a unique fruit that is only found in the land. Pisang or Banana Musa Ingens is considered unique due to its fantastic size. One west Papua unique banana can grow as big as adult man arms.
It also happens to the tree, which can grow at the magnificent dimension of 14-meter tall and 2-meter wide diameter. While the fruit is pretty large and sound filling, the banana is hardly consumable. All goes to the fact that it has a plain taste. You cannot find it anywhere else since it was hard to cultivate.
5. Buah Merah
Buah Merah or red fruit is another magnificent plant from the land. It clads in red and resembles the physic of corn. However, it has a bigger size and is grown on a tree. The fruit itself is edible and offers many positive effects on health. Some of the benefits are to decrease the risk of heart attack, hyperattention, and cancer.
6. Sarang Semut
Sarang Semut or Myrmecodia spp is a plant that hangs to other larger plants such as trees. It has cavities and a bubbling stem, which resembles and functions as an ant nest. It is mostly found in West Papua with some torn and huge leaves. The tubers or root part of this plant is a good ingredient to fight some illnesses such as cancer, stroke, and improve blood circulation.
The six endemic plants are only a small assortment of the island’s biodiversity. There are more plants and endemics floras found in the province. It is also worth noticing that the place has some natural conservation places, which help preserve the beautiful nature and its ecosystem.
