An Annotated Checklist of Orchids of Andhra Pradesh, India

Author: S.P. Panda, P. Harikrishna, Y. Rout, P.B. Sahoo, P.K. Das and S. Misra

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Abstract

This communication represents an updated checklist of orchid species recorded in Andhra Pradesh, India, based on studies of herbarium specimens, field observations and published literatures. A total of 102 orchid species, including one cultivated species, belonging to 45 genera are enumerated, with detailed annotations dealing with habit, phenology and distribution. The checklist reveals a diverse orchid flora, comprising of 50 epiphytic, 49 terrestrial, and 2 saprophytic species. Habenaria Willd. is the most dominant genus with 16 species, followed by Eulophia R.Br. (09 species), Dendrobium Sw. (07 species), Liparis Rich. and Oberonia Lindl. (05 species each) whereas, Acampe Lindl., Aerides Lour., Bulbophyllum Thouars, Nervilia Comm. ex Gaudich and Peristylus Bleume are represented by 04 species each and the remaining 31 genera are represented by a single species. This checklist contributes to the knowledge of orchid diversity in Andhra Pradesh and provides a reference for further taxonomic and conservation studies

Keywords

Andhra Pradesh, Checklist, Conservation, Orchids, Threats

Conclusion

This annotated checklist enumerated 102 orchid species, including one cultivated species, belonging to 45 genera within the state of Andhra Pradesh, providing a baseline for understanding the state's orchid diversity. The identification of rare taxa, including Aerides maculosa Lindl., Corymborkis veratrifolia (Rieinw.) Blume, Diplocentrum recurvum Lindl., Epipogium roseum (D.Don) Lindl., Eulophia diffusiflora M.W.Chase, Kumar & Schuit, Habenaria hollandiana Santapau, Oberonia ensiformis (Sm.) Lindl., Oberonia wightiana Lindl., Peristylus parishii Rchb.f. and Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schltr, emphasizes the state's significance for orchid conservation. Some recent additions to the orchid flora of the Andhra Pradesh state show the potential wealth of the unexplored diversity. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted investigations into the ecological roles, population dynamics and conservation status of these species

References

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How to cite this article

S.P. Panda, P. Harikrishna, Y. Rout, P.B. Sahoo, P.K. Das and S. Misra (2025). An Annotated Checklist of Orchids of Andhra Pradesh, India. Biological Forum, 17(3): 53-60