A Glimpse of the Ecology and Conservation Strategies of Orchids of Odisha, India

Odisha is endowed with very rich and diverse floristic wealth. Its unique geographic location and varied topography enables it to harbor different types of plant communities of which the orchids deserve special mention due to its horticultural as well as commercial importance. Nevertheless, the orchid flora of Odisha is moderately rich but on the other hand it emphasizes upon some important ecological niches. Many rare and endemic orchid species have been reported from the Odisha state like Habenaria panigrahiana var. parviloba, Cirrhopetalum panigrahianum and Eria meghasaniensis which are new to the science. In the endemic category, Pomatocalpa decipiens and Malaxis purpurea are important being recordedonly from Odisha in India. The orchids of Odisha have undergone severe biotic pressure resulting in rapid shrinkage of this rare and interesting plant group. Hence the conservation of Orchid flora of Odisha is need of the hour. Field studies revealed that for effective conservation of the species, conservation of the habitats in which the species dwell is most vital as well as a pre-requisite. Keeping in view the above mentioned facts, the present communication highlights about the ecology of the orchids of Odisha which act as a baseline data before planning any conservation measure and cultivation of orchids as well. Concurrently some conservational strategies have also been suggested.