Genus Eria Lindl. (Orchidaceae)About 370 described species under the genus and they are mainly distributed in tropical Asia and Australia. 43 species are in China including 6 in Hong Kong.
Eria sinica is one of the smallest orchids found in Hong Kong while the whole individual shown in the picture is just about 1 cm height. It is apparently very similar to another native orchid Eria pusilla. These two species were mixed up before due to their great similarity in Hong Kong. They are sometimes found to grow together on steep sides of boulders together with mosses. It's very difficult to spot them even when they are flowering.
Eria sinica has a narrow distribution where it is only found in or near Hong Kong and Hainan province. The type specimen is also collected from Hong Kong. Eria sinica and all other wild orchids are protected under Forestry regulations in Hong Kong. I do think that everyone should not harvest and take the wild orchids. Everyone should has the rights to appreciate the orchids and other rare plants in the wild. Orchids blooming in the wild are always the most spectacular BUT not at the garden!
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