Lecanorchis tabugawaensis

Lecanorchis tabugawaensis is a species of orchid which belongs to the group of mycoheterotrophic plants. Mycoheterotrophs are known for feeding off of the roots of fungal hosts, instead of utilizing photosynthesis. Myco-heterotrophy refers to the harmonious relationship between particular plants and fungi. After a thorough exploration of the plant's shape, size, and structure, it was determined to be closely associated with orchidaceous Lecanorchis amethystea, although inward variations confirmed this unique species.

The plant was discovered in July 2015 by Yamashita Hiroaki in lowland forests on Yakushima island. This species is only found at two locations along the Tabu River. Other recent discoveries on this island include: Oxygyne yamashitae (2008), Gastrodia uraiensis (2015), and Sciaphila yakushimensis (2016). This island also harbors various scarce plant species such as Lecanorchis virella, Lecanorchis trachycaula, Yakushimense vexillabium, Apostoasia nipponica, Lycopodium sieboldii, and Lysionotus pauciflorus.