Ex situ performance of wild orchids in Botanical Garden, University of Agricultural Science, Bangalore

Abstract

The Western Ghats of peninsular India are repositories of orchids at various altitudes. Of about 275 taxa from the Western Ghats, at a rough estimate, about 100 are endemics and many may be endangered . Thus it is of interest to study these orchids both in situ and ex situ. With this in view, Chikmagalur and Agumbe located in Karnataka were chosen for plant collection from the wild. Efforts were made to grow them ex situ at the University Agricultural Sciences campus, Bangalore. Sringeri of Chikmagalur and Agumbe of Shimoga Districts of Karnataka in peninsular India are very rich in Orchid flora. The following Orchids were collected and grown in the nursery of Botanical garden, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and their growth performance observed. The Cashew, Anacardium occidentale tree having several thick branches and rough textured bark was selected in the Botanical Garden for growing epiphytic orchids. The orchids were tied on to this tree with wires, and periodic spraying of water was done to keep the atmosphere cool and sub-humid. Some orchids were grown in pots and on ground. The pots were filled with brick pieces and charcoal and were provided with holes for aeration. The pots were kept under a cashew tree wich provided shade and intermittent sunlight. They were also watered periodically.