This present paper represented by an updated checklist of orchid species documented from the state of Telangana, India, based on a synthesis of herbarium collections, field observations and published literatures. A total of 35 orchid species belonging to 16 genera are enumerated in this communication, with detailed annotations including habit, phenology and occurrence. The checklist reveals a diverse orchid flora, comprising of 24 terrestrial (including 01 cultivated) and 11 epiphytic species. Habenaria Willd. is the most dominant genus with 10 species, followed by Eulophia R.Br. with 06 species. Several species, including Aerides multiflora Roxb., Crepidium versicolor (Lindl.) Eulophia graminea Lindl., Habenaria panigrahiana S. Misra, Nervilia concolor (Blume) Schltr., Peristylus goodyeroides (D.Don) Lindl. and Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schltr., are identified as rare within the state, while Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.) Blatt. & McCann and Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex G.Don are noted as common and distributed widely

Checklist, Conservation, Orchids, Telangana, Threats

This annotated checklist enumerated 35 orchid species from 16 genera within the Telangana region, providing a baseline for understanding the state's orchid diversity. The identification of rare taxa, including Oberonia ensiformis (Sm.) Lindl. and Oberonia wightiana Lindl., alongside potentially endemic species such as Habenaria ramayyana Ram.Chary & J.J. Wood, Habenaria hollandiana Santapau and Habenaria multicaudata Sedgw., emphasizes the region’s significance for orchid conservation. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted investigations into the ecological roles, population dynamics, and conservation status of these species. Future research should prioritize on: (1) detailed ecological assessments to elucidate habitat requirements and species interactions; (2) population genetic studies to determine genetic diversity and connectivity and (3) the development and implementation of evidence-based conservation strategies to ensure the long-term persistence of Telangana’s orchid flora. Furthermore, investigations into potential economic values, such as sustainable horticultural practices or medicinal applications, may provide additional incentives for conservation efforts

S.P. Panda, P. Harikrishna, P.B. Sahoo, Y. Rout, P.K. Das and S. Misra (2025). Orchids of Telangana, India: An Annotated Checklist. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 17(1): 119-123