Eria meghasaniensis (S. Misra) S. Misra, an endemic and endangered orchid of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India

Abstract

In the state of Odisha, 139 species of orchids have been reported, of these 94 species are from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India. The population of the orchid Eria meghasaniensis (S. Misra) S. Misra, was located and thoroughly studied from the hills of Meghasani and Kahairiburu of Similipal Biosphere Reserve. It was found that the average height of the plants ranged from 7-15 cm. The light intensity available for each plant habitat was recorded during the month of November and ranged from 8000 to 10000 LUX. The phorophytic plants of E.meghasaniensis were Syzygiumnervosum A.Cunn. ex DC., Syzygiumcumini (L.) Skeels, Homaliumnepaulense Benth. and Careyaarborea Roxb. However, most of the species (more than 80%) was associated with Syzygiumnervosum A. Cunn. ex DC.While analyzing the populations of E. meghasaniensis (S. Misra) S. Misra, it was found that the populations spread over an area of 4 Sq. Km. only with an elevation ranging from 1000 to 1170 meter. There is no suitable mycorrhiza for seed germination. In vitro seed germination should be attempted for conservation of this orchid species.