In recent efforts conducted for the systematic documentation of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a rapid survey has revealed the existence of 70 special orchids here. “In recent efforts for systematic documentation of Kaziranga’s rich floristic and faunal assemblages, a rapid survey on orchids has revealed interesting results,” said Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve. Out of the 70 orchid species revealed, 46 species are ephiphytes and 24 are terrestrial.
Some of the species recorded include Aerides odorata, Biermannia bimaculata and Bulbophyllum ornatissimum. “Led by Khyanjeet Gogoi, a renowned orchid conservationist and Range officers of Bagori, Bibit Dihingia and Kohora – Dr Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi, the visual survey reported new records, especially for grassland and woodland areas. 70 orchid species across 36 genera within Kaziranga, of which 46 species are epiphytes and 24 are terrestrial have been recorded.
Orchids like Acanthophippium sylhetense, Aerides odorata, Biermannia bimaculata, Bulbophyllum ornatissimum, Cleisostoma appendiculatum Dendrobium jenkinsii, Eulophia kamarupa, Peristylus constrictus, Phalaenopsis mannii, Zeuxine membranacea etc. have been recorded,” Ghosh further stated. “Terrestrial orchids such as Eulophia dabia, Zeuxin lindleyana, and Nervilia Juliana thrive in the grasslands along the riverbanks, while others like Acanthephippium striatum and Hetaeria affinis flourish on the dense forest floor,” she added.
