Orchids | Let it grow on jungle

The family Orchidaceae is one of the largest in the world and include many epiphytic species. According to experts, there are between 20,000 and 30,000 different species of orchids around the world. ​Epiphytes​ are plants that live and grow on other plants such as trees, shrubs, evergreens, deciduous plants etc. Orchids growing on trees have a special kind of symbiotic relationship with their hosts.

Nepal is a country known for its rich biodiversity where Orchidaceae represent the second largest family. There are about 507 species of orchids found in Nepal. Orchids are the excellent biological indicators of ecological changes in the ecosystem as they are sensitive to atmospheric and climatic changes. Most epiphytic orchids are found growing in tropical areas below the canopy of trees. They attach themselves high up in trees to obtain more sunlight. Epiphytic orchids have adapted to obtain water and nutrients differently than plants that grow with their roots buried in soil. They use the host trees only for the support and are not parasitic. Rather it provides a habitat for many insects and micro-organisms. Like many other plant groups, orchids face threat from habitat destruction and fragmentation, overharvesting, climate change and other human induced issues.