Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis is a species of orchid endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia. The specific epithet mentawaiensis refers to the Mentawai islands of West Sumatra.
Description This species is a small-sized, hot-growing epiphyte with 15–50 cm long, inclined to erect, branched or unbranched inflorescences. They produce slightly fragrant flowers of similar floral fragrance to Phalaenopsis violacea. The flowers are larger and more full in shape, which approach those of Phalaenopsis bellina. Some forms have green tipped sepals and petals.Christenson, Eric A. (2001). Phalaenopsis : a monograph. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 164. ISBN 1604691719.
Ecology This species occurs on tall trees in elevations of 0–100 m above sea level.
Taxonomy This species was formerly identified as Phalaenopsis violacea var. mentawai. It was separated from Phalaenopsis violacea in 2014 by Olaf Gruss. The genetic evidence allows a distinction of Phalaenopsis violacea and Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis. However, it does not support a distinction of Phalaenopsis violacea and Phalaenopsis bellina.Tsai, C. C., Sheue, C. R., Chen, C. H., & Chou, C. H. (2010). Phylogenetics and biogeography of the Phalaenopsis violacea (Orchidaceae) species complex based on nuclear and plastid DNA. Journal of Plant Biology, 53(6), 453–460. All three taxa were formerly included in Phalaenopsis violacea sensu lato.
Conservation International trade is regulated through the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.
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