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OBA SAMOSIR: Scientists say they have found almost 200 new species of orchids in the Eden Park tourist forest in Sionggang village in Toba Samosir, North Sumatra.

A group led by botanists and orchid experts Ria Telambanua and Michele Sirait have been exploring the area for years.

“We’ve successfully identified almost 200 species of forest orchids after almost four years of research. We intentionally haven’t published any of them for the sake of preservation,” Ria said on Sunday in Toba Samosir.

Discoveries of new species of orchids have usually been followed by large-scale exploitation, she said.

The researchers identified the new species by deciphering morphological differences using orchid catalogues and by consulting with experts.

“This area is an orchid paradise. It has extraordinary natural richness. There are thousands of other orchid species that have yet to be identified here,” she said as quoted by Antara news agency.

Ria and Michele plan to launch a book documenting their findings next month. Ria said that a portion of the profits would be donated to orchid experts.