Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis

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Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis is an orchid species endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia, named after the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra.

Description
- It is a small, hot-growing epiphyte.
- Inflorescences are 15–50 cm long and may be inclined, upright, branched, or unbranched.
- The flowers are slightly fragrant, similar to Phalaenopsis violacea, but larger and fuller, approaching the look of Phalaenopsis bellina. Some forms have green-tipped sepals and petals.

Habitat
- Grows on tall trees from 0 to 100 meters above sea level.

Taxonomy
- Formerly identified as Phalaenopsis violacea var. mentawai.
- Distinct species since 2014, as described by Olaf Gruss, based on genetic differences from Phalaenopsis violacea.
- Genetic evidence does not separate Phalaenopsis violacea from Phalaenopsis bellina; all three were once included in Phalaenopsis violacea sensu lato.

Conservation and trade
- International trade is regulated under CITES Appendix II.