Detailed Notes
List of Orchids Found in Assam | Species, Types, Locations and Conservation
Orchids in Assam display all major growth forms found in the Orchidaceae family, including epiphytic, terrestrial, aquatic, and climbing species. The majority of Assam's orchids are epiphytes, growing on trees without harming them, while several terrestrial orchids thrive on forest floors. Species like Goodyera procera and Spiranthis sinesis show aquatic adaptations, whereas Vanilla pilifera and Galeola altissima exhibit climbing habits.
Major Orchid Genera Found in Assam
Some of the most commonly recorded orchid genera in Assam include Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, Phalaenopsis, Aerides, Paphiopedilum, Coelogyne, Cymbidium, Calanthe, Eulophia, Geodorum, Habenaria, Malaxis, Vanilla, Zeuxine, Oberonia, Nephelaphyllum, Anoectochilus, Agrostophyllum, Didymoplexis, Galeola, and Camarotis. These orchids grow best in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, with some presence in moist deciduous forests.
Notable Orchid Species of Assam
The most iconic orchid of Assam is Rhynchostylis retusa, popularly known as the Foxtail Orchid or Kopouful, which is also the state flower of Assam. Other important species include Dendrobium nobile, Dendrobium jenkinsii, Dendrobium aphyllum, Bulbophyllum ornatissimum (rare), Aerides odorata, Phalaenopsis mannii, Paphiopedilum insigne, Paphiopedilum spicerianum, Peristylus constrictus, Robiquetia spatulata, Pteroceras teres, and Gastrochilus species.
Several orchids found in Assam are endemic to India, such as Biermannia bimaculata, Eulophia kamarupa, and Zeuxine lindleyana, highlighting the state's global botanical importance.
Kaziranga National Park: A Major Orchid Hotspot
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has emerged as a significant orchid habitat. A recent botanical survey documented 70 orchid species across 36 genera within the park. These include 46 epiphytic species and 24 terrestrial species, thriving across grasslands, woodlands, and forest patches.
Noteworthy orchid species recorded in Kaziranga include Acanthophippium sylhetense, Aerides odorata, Biermannia bimaculata, Bulbophyllum ornatissimum, Cleisostoma appendiculatum, Dendrobium jenkinsii, Eulophia kamarupa, Phalaenopsis mannii, Peristylus constrictus, and Zeuxine membranacea.
The Panbari Reserve Forest, part of the Kaziranga ecosystem, stands out as a micro-hotspot, with 39 orchid species recorded from this area alone.
National Orchid and Biodiversity Park
The Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park showcases over 500 varieties of wild orchids, along with medicinal plants, traditional rice varieties, native fruits, a large orchid photo gallery, greenhouse facilities, and conservation awareness programs. The park plays a key role in preserving Assam's floral heritage and educating visitors about orchid conservation.
Conservation and Significance
Orchids in Assam are ecologically significant and culturally valuable. Several species are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, including members of the Astavarga group. Ongoing conservation initiatives, community awareness programs, and scientific surveys are essential to protect these fragile species from habitat loss and illegal collection.
Assam's orchids reflect the state's extraordinary biodiversity and underline the importance of integrated conservation approaches that protect both flora and fauna.
FAQs on List of Orchids Found in Assam
1. How many orchid species are found in Assam?
Assam has around 293 recorded orchid species, accounting for nearly a quarter of India's orchid diversity.
2. What is the state flower of Assam?
Rhynchostylis retusa, commonly known as Foxtail Orchid or Kopouful, is the state flower of Assam.
3. Where are orchids mainly found in Assam?
Orchids are mainly found in evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, especially in Kaziranga National Park and surrounding reserves.
4. Which national park in Assam is famous for orchids?
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is a major orchid hotspot with over 70 species recorded.
5. Are there endemic orchid species in Assam?
Yes, orchids like Biermannia bimaculata, Eulophia kamarupa, and Zeuxine lindleyana are endemic to India.
6. What types of orchids grow in Assam?
Assam hosts epiphytic, terrestrial, aquatic, and climbing orchids.
7. Which orchid genera are common in Assam?
Common genera include Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, Phalaenopsis, Aerides, Paphiopedilum, Coelogyne, and Cymbidium.
8. What is the National Orchid and Biodiversity Park?
It is a conservation park near Kaziranga showcasing over 500 varieties of orchids and native plant species.
9. Are orchids used in traditional medicine?
Yes, several orchid species are used in Ayurvedic medicine, including those in the Astavarga group.
10. Why is orchid conservation important in Assam?
Orchids are ecologically sensitive and indicate forest health, making their conservation vital for Assam's biodiversity.