Despite its presence in parks and gardens in Japan, it took researchers at Kobe University 10 years to confirm that this plant - the "Spiranthes hachijoensis", sometimes called "ladies' braids" because of its resemblance to strands of hair - was a previously unknown species.
"It was a surprise to discover a new species of spiranths, which is so common that you can see it in parks, gardens and among potted plants," Kenji Suetsugu, the study's lead researcher, told AFP on Thursday.
Some of the samples came from "potted plants and gardens," including those kept at a high school in Japan's central Gifu region, the phytology professor said.
The new species of orchid can be seen in parks and gardens in Japan © Kenji Suetsugu / Courtesy of Kenji Suettsugu / AFP
"With its curious appearance and delicate flowers that resemble glass objects, this flower has long been appreciated," Kobe University said in a press release.
The plant, with its spiral flowers, was even mentioned in Japan's oldest anthology of poems, the "Manyoshu", dating back to the eighth century.
The discovery was announced last week in the Journal of Plant Research and the orchid was named "Spiranthes hachijoensis" because many samples were found on Tokyo's Hachijojima Island.
© 2023 AFP