Eulophia graminea: The Orchid with Keiki on the Leaf

Author: Tapan Kumar Giri, Sashikala Beura, P.N. Jagadev, S.K. Palai and G.R. Rout

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Abstract

Keikis are asexually produced clone of mother plant whose literary meaning is a baby in Hawaiian language. It’s a relatively easier method of asexual propagation with identical plants. Usually it is formed on the older shoots or flowering pseudo bulbs varying with species of Orchids. But no mention of formation of Keikis in terrestrial Orchids are found till date. The keik is were found by the authors on Eulophia graminea, a terrestrial Orchid species found in Odisha, that too on its leaf apex, which is a novel characteristics and yet to be reported by any. Eulophia graminea, though a threatened species in many places, but has been designated as Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) species by the Florida Keys Invasive Species Exotics Task Force due to its invasive nature. However this species has got some medicinal importance and is being used against several chronic diseases in India since long. Hence this novel propagation method of this species may be a blessing or a matter of serious concern for the environmentalists.

Keywords

Leaf Keikis, Eulophia graminea, invasive Orchid

Conclusion

The importance of the terrestrial Orchid species, Eulophia graminea is yet to be assessed to its full potential. Its ethno-botanical importance has elated many and needs further attention. Hence this unique propagation method noticed here by leaf keikis may be a blessing for the naturalists. However, the invasive nature of this species has raised concerns among the scientists and this novel propagation behavior of this species may add to the agony for the environmentalists to control the invasive species.

References

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How to cite this article

Tapan Kumar Giri, Sashikala Beura, P.N. Jagadev, S.K. Palai and G.R. Rout (2022). Eulophia graminea: The Orchid with Keiki on the Leaf. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 378-381.