Sharjah environmental body EPAA discovers orchid in emirate for the first time

Gulf Today Report

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) spotted an orchid (Epipactis veratrifolia), a rare flower that has never been seen before in the emirate of Sharjah. This discovery is a credit to EPAA’s role, its efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect species from extinction and its wealth of experience in preserving and protecting the environment.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “EPAA’s specialised teams recorded the presence of the rare orchid, which will be added to EPAA’s list of rare and endangered species. The Authority will strive to protect it from extinction.”

Orchids bloom from February to April.

Al Suwaidi explained that the orchid – a rare and beautiful flower – is a perennial plant with stems covered in delicate hair and spear-shaped changeable leaves. Located on pedicels, the green flowers with crimson edges have three petals and three sepals. Orchids bloom from February to April.

EPAA’s specialised teams will study the plant and explore the possibility of propagating it in line with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

EPAA expressed its thanks and appreciation to the teams that work hard to implement its plans and strategies, contributing to Sharjah’s status in terms of the environment and its fame as a global capital for the environment.