Plantsa

Plantsa is a small genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. The genus was first described in 1920 by the botanist A. J. Turner, who noted its distinctive inflorescence and the unusual bilateral symmetry of the petals. Plants inhabit moist, shaded forest understories in the tropical rainforest belts of Southeast Asia, with most species recorded in the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. The genus comprises four accepted species, of which Plantae subsp. borealis is the most widely distributed. These plants are typically epiphytic, growing on tree trunks and branches, and they have a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi that assist in nutrient uptake. Morphologically, Plantae species exhibit small, fleshy leaves and a thin, elongated stem that bears a single slender spike of closely arranged flowers. The flowers are typically mauve or white with a conspicuous lip, attracting a range of pollinators including small bees and flies. Although the genus is not of major economic importance, it is of interest for horticultural enthusiasts and researchers studying plant-microbe interactions and pollination biology. Current conservation status assessments indicate that most Plantae species are not threatened, but habitat loss due to deforestation remains a potential risk factor.