Description

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Context:

A new species of orchid, called Crepidium assamicum, was discovered in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam.

Crepidium assamicum

*About*	It is a new species of orchid discovered in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam. Their numbers are approximately 500–600 individuals in the wild.
*Scientific Name*	Crepidium assamicum
*Characteristics*	They have a large flower cover and blooming period from July to August. Their flowers have minimal or no fragrance.
*Habitat*	These species thrive in open grasslands and they do not prefer dense forests.
*Distribution*	These orchids are confined to the open grassland near the riverbank of Dibru-Soikhowa river in Assam.
*Conservation Status*	They have been provisionally assessed as Near Threatened per IUCN Red List of endangered species in 2024.

Orchids

Orchids are non woody perennial plants of family Orchidaceae.

It has over 25,000 species and nearly 1,000 genera.

They are predominantly found in tropical regions.

They are categorised into three life types:

(1) epiphytic,

(2) terrestrial and

(3) mycoheterotrophic.

Morphology of Orchids

Flowers:

Orchid flowers have unique and differing structural characteristics. These are:

They have pollinia, which are masses of pollen that facilitate specific pollination strategies.

The stamens and pistil are fused to form a column. This distinguishes orchids from other flowering plants.

They have a Lip or Labellum, which is a specialized petal that serves as a landing platform for pollinators.

Seed

Seeds of Orchid are tiny and lack an endosperm. They depend on mycorrhizal fungi for germination and uptake of nutrients.

Habitat

Orchids survive in diverse environments, from sea level to elevations of 4,600 metres.

Geographical Distribution

They are found in tropical montane forests, temperate zones, and even in arid regions.

Orchids in India:

As per the Botanical Survey of India:

Orchids of 1,256 species or taxa are found in India.
Out of total orchids, about 760 species or 60% are epiphytic, 447 are terrestrial and 43 are mycoheterotrophic in India
About 400 species of orchids are endemic to India and about one-third of them are endemic species found in Western Ghats.
The Western Ghats feature a high endemism of orchids, but north-east India has the highest species concentration.
There are 612 orchid species known to exist in Arunachal Pradesh, which is followed by Sikkim (560) and West Bengal.
In terms of orchid species, the Himalayan zone is the most abundant of India's ten biogeographic zones, followed by the Northeast, the Western Ghats, the Deccan plateau, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Symbiotic Relationships

Many orchids in many cases form mutualistic relationships with fungi, which helps orchids in their nutrient absorption and growth.

Pollination and Reproductive Strategies

The flower structures of orchids are adapted to attract particular pollinators, which enhances their reproductive success.

The complex flowering structure facilitates the transfer of pollinia to visiting insects to ensure effective cross-pollination.

Economic Importance

Vanilla Production: The most notable economic product which is derived from orchids is vanilla. It is sourced from Vanilla planifolia orchids and related species.

Traditional Uses: Traditionally Orchids have various applications in folk medicine, culinary products, and as natural adhesives.

For its diverse usage and applications Orchids are important flora in India.

Important articles for reference

Tiger Orchids

Gastrodia Indica

Sources:

INDIA TODAY

BRITANNICA

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about Orchids:

They are non-perennial plants of the family Orchidaceae.
Their fused stamens and pistil distinguishes orchids from other flowering plants.
Many orchids depend on mycorrhizal fungi for germination and uptake of nutrients.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A)1 and 2 only

B)2 and 3 only

C)1, 2 and 3 only

D)None

Ans: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

Orchids are non-woody perennial plants of the family Orchidaceae.

It has over 25,000 species and nearly 1,000 genera.

They are predominantly found in tropical regions.

They exhibit diverse growth habitats which includes terrestrial and epiphytic forms, and many species adapted to specific ecological niches.

Statement 2 is correct:

Orchid flowers have unique and differing structural characteristics. These are:

They have pollinia, which are masses of pollen that facilitate specific pollination strategies.

The stamens and pistil are fused to form a column. This distinguishes orchids from other flowering plants.

Statement 3 is correct:

Seeds of Orchid are tiny and lack an endosperm. They depend on mycorrhizal fungi for germination and uptake of nutrients.Many orchids in many cases form mutualistic relationships with fungi, which helps orchids in their nutrient absorption and growth.