Habenaria diwata

A newly described orchid species from Albay and my very first new species illustration from my favorite plant family.

Published today, 𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘢 R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano 𝘴𝘱. 𝘯𝘰𝘷., is an orchid from Mt. Malinao, Albay. Its pale, whitish-green flowers evoke the ghostly white image often associated with the diwata, the mythical forest spirit of Philippine folklore, and hence the name.

Published in Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore and can be accessed through this link: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens'-bulletin-singapore/-/media/sbg/gardens-bulletin/gbs_77_01_y2025/77_01_07_y2025_v77p1_gbs_pg101.pdf