Characteristics of Wild Orchids in Mallawa Resort at Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to determine the characteristics of wild orchids in the area of Resort Mallawa, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park. This type of research is descriptive with the exploration method, which is tracking the study area which is known to have a fairly high distribution of wild orchids. Exploration of wild orchids is carried out at 85 distribution points, with an altitude of 432 meters above sea level to 849 m above sea level. The results showed that there were 40 types of orchids, 33 species identified, and 7 species not identified. Based on the growth properties of wild orchids found were dominated by 35 species of epiphytic orchids, while for the type of growth was dominated by 24 species of sympodial orchids. The most found locations of wild orchids are in Mallenreng Hamlet I. The most common species is Trichoglottis geminata. Based on the height of the place, the species that grows at the highest position is Coelogyne sp., while in the lowest position is Dendrobium sp. 1. Based on the visual intensity of light, orchids were found in the shade as many as 5 species, half sheltered as many as 21 species, while in the open as many as 4 species. There are 5 orchid species that can grow in the shade and half shade, 3 species that grow in half shade and open places, and 2 species that can grow in three places. By knowing the presence and diversity of wild orchids in the study area shows that the ecosystem in the area is still quite good, considering that wild orchids are plants that are quite susceptible to interference.