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Gastrodia pushparaga

Gastrodia pushparaga

Sri Lanka, China
Status
Not Evaluated

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
photosynthetic solar energy conversion, shallow root water absorption

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
year-round tropical foliage growth, seasonal flowering under wet cycles

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Distribution: — So far restricted to the Rathnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka (Fig. 4). Conservation assessment: — Based on two years of rigorous surveys, 22 subpopulations of Gastrodia pushparaga were found to occur at six distinct sites in the wet zone of Sri Lanka at Walankanda (five subpopulations each in one hectare plots, with 20 – 50 mature individuals at three sites and 20 – 30 mature individuals at other two), Panapola (ten subpopulations of 20 – 30 mature individuals each spread over an area of three hectares), Weddagala (one subpopulation with up to 15 mature individuals) and Kalawana (one subpopulation with up to 15 mature individuals in Sabaragamuwa Province) and at Delgoda (five scattered subpopulations with up to ten mature individuals) in Sabaragamuwa Province. The overall population size is estimated to be around 400 mature individuals (<500 mature individuals). All these subpopulations generate an EOO of 114 km 2 and an AOO of 20 km 2 using GeoCAT (Moat 2007). At these sites, the plants occur in mixed dipterocarp forests, and at least, at two sites, Panapola and Kalawana, the habitat is fragmented. The species is not known to face any threat and hence the number of locations is zero. Overall, following IUCN (2019), the new species can be assessed as vulnerable (VU D 1) owing to its small population size of <500 mature individuals. Additional specimens examined: — Walankanda Forest Reserve, 588 m a. s. l., 5 Mar 2022, Gopallawa & Perera BGAP 002 (spirit PDA); Walankanda Forest Reserve, 612 m a. s. l., 1 Apr 2021, Gopallawa & Perera BGAP- 001 B (K); Walankanda Forest Reserve, 588 m a. s. l., 5 Mar 2022, Gopallawa & Perera BGAP 003 (spirit PDA).
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Gastrodia pushparaga is officially designated as Not Evaluated. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of photosynthetic solar energy conversion, shallow root water absorption. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a year-round tropical foliage growth, seasonal flowering under wet cycles activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 60 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Gastrodia pushparaga.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeSri Lanka, China
Habitat RangeForest
Lifespan60 Yrs
StatusData Deficient
ScientificGastrodia pushparaga
Registry Info
Lifespan60 years
KingdomPlantae
FamilyOrchidaceae