ABSTRACT
Orchids are highly diverse, habitat specific, and occupy about 8% of global floriculture trade. Mizoram has 253 species of orchids (Botanical Survey of 16India (BSI)), out of which 10 species have medicinal importance. Mostly, the tubers of these orchids are used in medicine. Many of these orchids face the extreme danger of extinction due to overexploitation and habitat destruction. Orchids require a special kind of environment and habitat, and unique micro-climatic conditions to survive and perpetuate. Studies on quantitative information are vital for conservation plan in a particular area and to understand the ecology of the species. The present study, thus, aims to identify the habitat types preferred for medicinally important orchids. An extensive sampling was conducted for medicinal orchids in the state of Mizoram where 10 medicinal orchid species belonging to eight genera were recorded in different habitats, viz., tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, and montane subtropical pine forests. Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum, Paphiopedilum villosum, and Renanthera imschootiana are highly endangered in the state. Among the three habitats, montane subtropical pine forests was found to be the most suitable habitat for medicinal orchids of Mizoram.
