The orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the second largest family of flowering plants, with about hundreds of genera and some thousands of species distributed worldwide. Arunachal Pradesh is home to many exotic species of orchids and researchers are still discovering new and rare types of orchids now and then.

This blog will cover a few of the orchid species occurring in Arunachal Pradesh. Let's start!

Sarcoglyphis arunachalensis

Sarcoglyphis arunachalensis got its name from Arunachal Pradesh, the region where it occurs. It is also commonly known as The Arunachal Pradesh Sarcoglyphis. It was first observed and collected by Dr A.N Rao. This species of arunachalensis of the genus Sarcoglyphis belongs to the subfamily of Vandoideae under the Vandeae tribe and Aeridinae subtribe.

It can be found in tropical forests and subtropical forests at an altitude of 200m-1100m. The flowers bloom in the Spring season with the flowering phase from May to June. The characteristics of this epiphytic plant are showcased as having a panicle inflorescence with flower size being 1 cm across. Its flowers contain hues of white tinged with rose-purple. Its germplasm availability is in Districts of East Kameng and West Kameng of Arunachal Pradesh and its sample has been preserved in the Tippi Orchid Centre, West Kameng.

Vanda griffithii Lindl

Commonly named Griffith's Vanda, this orchid of the genus Vanda belongs from the subfamily of Vandoideae under the Vandeae tribe and Vandinae subtribe. This species inhabits the Tropical forest and can be found at an altitude of a minimum of 1200m and a maximum of 1800m its flowering period starts in March and ends in June.

 This monopodial plant has an Epiphytic and Lithophytic type habitat. Having Raceme Inflorescence in pale greenish-yellow coloured flowers, the flower size of Griffith's Vanda is 1.5-2 cm across.

Thunia alba

Also known as The White Thunia, can be found in Sub-tropical forests and Tropical forests at a height of Min: 600m and Max: 1200m. It pertains to the sub-family: Epidendroideae, Tribe: Coelogyneae, Sub-Tribe: Thuniinae, Genus: Thunia and Species: alba.

 It is also a monopodial plant preferring terrestrial habitat. The plant can be identified from its slender stem, its white-purple coloured flowers with raceme inflorescence and flower size being 8 cm across. The best time to witness it bloom is in the Spring season because the flowering period starts in April and ends in June. Sessa Orchid Centre and Tippi Orchid Centre in Arunachal Pradesh have preserved the species.

 Germplasm Availability in Arunachal Pradesh is in the Districts: Siang, East Kameng, East Siang, Lohit, Lower Subansiri, Tirap, Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng, West Siang.

Tropidia curculigoides Lindl

Generally identified as The Curculigo-Like Tropida, is another orchid species found in the state, which was collected and researched by Dr A.N Rao and DST from Kanker; Tipi, Arunachal Pradesh. This monopodial type plant prefers terrestrial habitat in tropical forests of about elevation of 200m - 500 m above sea level.

Its flower size is 1 cm across with a slender stem, possessing raceme and spike-like inflorescence. The flowering season is Summer and Autumn, the flowering of its white, faintly tinged yellow coloured flower lasts from September to November. One can glimpse this orchid sheltered at the Orchidarium, Tippi Orchid Centre, West Kameng District. Germplasm Availability in Arunachal Pradesh: East Kameng and West Kameng Districts.

Vanda cristata Lindl

Another exotic orchid is Vanda cristata which is also nicknamed and commonly known as the Comb Vanda. It yields beautiful and vibrant Yellowish to olive green coloured flowers that bloom in Spring and Summer. This epiphytic plant is monopodial that inhabits temperate and subtropical forests at the altitude of about 1000m-2000m. It has a woody stem, raceme inflorescence and flower size of about 4.5cm to 6 cm across with the flowering starting in April and ending in September. Sessa Orchid Centre and Tippi Orchid Centre are the two orchidariums in Arunachal Pradesh that have preserved their type species

Germplasm Availability in Arunachal Pradesh is: Siang, East Kameng, East Siang, Lohit, Lower Subansiri, Tirap, Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng, and  West Siang Districts.

 There are thousands of varieties of orchids in the world and Arunachal Pradesh houses more than 500 different kinds, earning itself the name "The Orchid State of India". We are still discovering rare and new finds of orchid species every now and then. 

Apart from its role as an ornamental plant, the orchids possess elements that are useful to mankind for various purposes. Therefore, it is important to learn about the orchids to protect and conserve them as well as make use of them sustainably.

 If you liked this read, you will surely love the Orchids of Arunachal- Part 1

Orchids of Arunachal- Part 2

Orchids of Arunachal- Part 3

 Or if you are interested in learning about faunas, check out Exploring Faunas of Arunachal Pradesh

Exploring Faunas of Arunachal Pradesh - Wild Cats