Epiphytic Orchid Species Research Articles

Precocious in vitro flowering in threatened ornamental orchid, Dendrobium ovatum – Decoding the causal factors

Dendrobium has been the focus of floral industries for decades. Wild Dendrobiums serve as germplasm for creating hybrids in the cut flower industry and are priced high. But, fewer reports exist on the wild tropical species of Dendrobium. The present study reports in vitro flowering in Dendrobium ovatum - an epiphytic orchid species endemic to the oriental tropics. The seedlings are raised from the protocorms and protocorm-like bodies. This research also highlights the traits displayed by the in vitro flowers of D. ovatum. An optimized modified MS medium was developed to enhance the flowering in the orchid species. The pre-treatment methods, notably dark incubation for 12 h and prechilling at 15 °C for 2 h, demonstrated the synthesis of pharmacologically relevant bioactives viz., ‘Moscatilin’ and ‘Resveratrol’. The tissue culture system devised can decode the enigmatic reproductive biology and its underlying molecular regulation of D. ovatum. This strategy could be emulated in other horticultural, medicinal and food crops for producing industrially relevant phytochemicals.

DISTRIBUTION PATTERN AND DIVERSITY OF EPIPHYTIC ORCHIDS IN THE CURUG CIBEREUM PATH, MOUNT GEDE PANGRANGO, INDONESIA

The Curug Cibereum path as a tourist attraction in the Mount Gede Pangrango area is dominated by a lush tree, making it a suitable place to find a diversity of epiphytic orchids. This study aimed to determine the distribution pattern and diversity of epiphytic orchids along the Curug Cibereum path which is influenced by environtmental parameters. The research method was carried out by plotting ten plots on the right and left sides of the path, with each plot measuring 500 x 5 m and the distance between plots was 100 m. The results showed that there were 31 species of epiphytic orchids from 12 genera. The distribution pattern of epiphytic orchids was mostly clustered except for Oberonia lotsyana, which had a uniform pattern. The epiphytic orchid species with the highest INP were Bulbophyllum gibbosum with an INP value of 35% and Coelogyne speciosa with an INP value of 20%. Species diversity (H ') was moderate (H '=2.54), the evenness index (E) was high (E=0.73), the dominance index (D) was low (D=0.13). The measurements of environmental parameters showed optimal conditions for the growth of epiphytic orchids, namely with a temperature of 24.5 oC, soil moisture of 76.5%, air humidity of 70%, pH 5.1, the light intensity of 6351 lux and wind speed of 0.03 m/s.

Morphological Characterization of Epiphytic Orchids in the Tourism Area of Curug Cibereum Selabintana, Mount Gede Pangrango, West Java

The Curug Cibereum tourist area located in Selabintana, Sukabumi, is part of the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park which consists of various types of orchids. This study aims to determine the types of epiphytic orchids in the Cibereum Curug Path based on the morphological characterization of epiphytic orchids, both stems, leaves, and flowers. The results of the study found as many as 31 species of epiphytic orchids from 11 genera. Based on the morphological observations of stems, pseudobulbs, leaves, and flowers on each type of epiphytic orchid, each has its characteristics. Observation of stem growth morphology found monopodial and sympodial orchids. The stems are found to belong short and do not even have stems but have pseudobulbs. The shape of the pseudobulb was found to be round, flattened, oval, and oval. Then for the shape of the leaves found lanceolate, oval, needle, and ovoid. As for the shape of flowers, each type has various shapes and colors. Some are big or small according to the species
 
 Keywords: Epiphytic Orchid, Cibereum Waterfall, Morphology, Characterization, Pseudobulb

Inventarisasi Keanekaragaman Anggrek (Orchidaceae) di Kecamatan Polinggona Kabupaten Kolaka

Orchid is type of flowering plant that has economic value because most of them have beautiful and attractive flowers. The existence species of orchids in nature is increasingly threatened due to the high activity of land conversion and hunting for the orchids themselves. The purpose of this study was determine the diversity of orchids spesies in Polinggona, Kolaka district Southeast Sulawesi. The research used an explorative and interview method. Based on the observations, there were 31 species of epiphytic orchids, 5 species of terrestrial orchids, one semi-terrestrial orchid and there are 6 species of orchids is unidentified.The results of vertical distribution on the host tree, the epiphytic orchids found growing in all zones were Pomatocalpa spicata and Dendrobium ephemerum and mostly the epiphytic orchids in the observation site grew in zone III, specifically at the base of branching of its host tree.Terrestrial orchid type Arundina graminifolia has the most limited distribution compared to other terrestrial orchid species. The types of terrestrial and semi-terrestrial orchids that were found were all close to the river flow.

Topological analysis of orchid-fungal endophyte interaction shows lack of phylogenetic preference

Fungal endophytes are known to play a vital role in perpetuation and survival of orchids. While orchid–mycorrhizal relationship has been studied in detail, dynamics of orchid–non-mycorrhizal associations are insufficiently explored. There is paucity of empirical evidence for host specificity, phylogenetic preference, co-evolution, and habitat selection amongst orchids and their non-mycorrhizal endophytes. We explored these aspects by studying the root associated non-mycorrhizal fungal assemblages from 11 epiphytic orchid species in two tropical communities located at Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. A total of 94 non-mycorrhizal fungal isolates were mined. Of these 55 isolates could be identified at species level, while 39 isolates were circumscribed at generic level using the ITS region. The core group fungal assemblages predominantly belonged to Ascomycota. The extent of mutualistic reliance was inferred by mapping the bipartite interaction in a phylogenetic framework. The analysis shows that the orchid–non-mycorrhizal associations are neither clade specific nor nested, rather they depend on the availability of suitable fungal taxon at the sites. The study also indicates the absence of phylogenetic preference between the partners. However, topology of the bipartite interaction network suggests that there has been a shift from specialised interaction in the basal clades, to generalised one in the later evolved clades.

Root-Associated Endophytic and Mycorrhizal Fungi from the Epiphytic Orchid Maxillaria acuminata in a Tropical Montane Forest in Southern Ecuador

In natural environments, it has been shown that orchids interact with multiple microorganisms including various species of fungi that colonize their tissues. The diversity of these fungi associated with orchid roots is still being described along with the ecological role they play when interacting with the orchids. In this study, we evaluated the richness and diversity of the endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi associated with the roots of Maxillaria acuminata, a common epiphytic orchid species from a tropical montane forest in southern Ecuador. We characterized the fungal communities by sequencing the ITS2 region of the nrDNA with Illumina MiSeq technology. In total, 843 fungal OTUs were uncovered using a 97% sequence similarity. The highest percentage of OTUs belonged to the Agaricomycetes class, Basidiomycota. Interestingly, the most frequent trophic guild from the analyzed OTUs was assigned as saprophytic. Also, some groups of orchid mycorrhizal-forming fungi were detected, including members within the families Ceratobasidicaceae, Serendipitaceae, Tulasnellaceae, and in the order Atractiellales. We discuss the potential influence of this diverse group of root-associated endophytic fungi on the development and survival of M. acuminata in the tropical forests of southern Ecuador.

Addition of a new report Acriopsis liliifolia (J. Koenig) Ormerod (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) to the flora of Bangladesh

Occurrence of an epiphytic orchid species viz. Acriopsis liliifolia (J. Koenig) Ormerod was recorded from more than ten countries of the world, but there is no previous report from Bangladesh. Recently it was collected from Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary at Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh, a tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen type of forest close to the coast, and reported here as a new distributional record for Bangladesh. Detailed taxonomic description of the species along with phenology, ecology, geographical distribution, and medicinal value is provided here with illustration and photograph. The species is listed as Critically Endangered in Singapore. In Bangladesh, it may be categorized for time being as Data Deficient according to International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red Listing criteria.

Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Epiphytic Orchid in the Nirmala Tea Plantation, Bogor West Java

Tea plantations can provide microclimate conditions for many epiphytic species, including orchids, but information on their diversity is not yet available. Epiphytic orchid diversity study has been carried out at the Nirmala Tea Plantation, Bogor, West Java. The main objective of this study was to reveal the diversity of epiphytic orchids in the Nirmala Tea Plantation. The data were obtained by vegetation analysis using the purposive sampling method by making 54 plots sized 5 x 5m2 at two different altitudes, 1050 and 1500 masl. The quantitative data were analyzed by calculating the critical value and morisita indices. The correlation between epiphytic orchid and microclimate variables was processed using Spearman bivariate correlation, performed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis. A total of 15 epiphytic orchids were found at an altitude of 1050 m asl and 10 species of epiphytic orchids at an altitude of 1500 m asl. Seven species, Agrostophyllum longifolium Rchb.f., Appendicula reflexa Blume, Bulbophyllum sp.2, Dendrochilum sp., Eria sp.1, Flickingeria sp, Pholidota carnea Lindl, were found at both altitudes. The diversity of epiphytic orchids is affected by altitude, light intensity, and wind speed. The distribution pattern of epiphytic orchids in Nirmala Tea Plantation is clumped. The results of this study report the diversity of orchids grown in tea plantations for the first time. This information is helpful for the cultivation and conservation of orchid diversity in the future.

Habitat preferences of wild orchids in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park to model their suitable habitat in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Rahayu EMD, Yusri S. 2021. Habitat preferences of wild orchids in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park to model their suitable habitat in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 43-54. Wild orchids are mainly threatened by habitat degradation and over-exploitation. Orchid conservation requires information regarding its distribution and suitable habitat, and factors affecting it. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and habitat preferences of orchids in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia, and to predict the habitat suitability map of orchids in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The survey was conducted in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park to collect data on orchid occurrences along with microhabitat characteristics (altitude, light, temperature, substrate thickness, and vertical distribution). ERGo Datasets Landforms and Physiography, SRTM elevation, NDVI derived from LANDSAT 8 OLI were used in Google Earth Engine to obtain macrohabitat data. Microhabitat preference of environmental data was averaged for each variable and further explored with Canonical Correlation Analysis. Suitable habitat was modeled with Maxent using occurrences and environmental data. The survey found 26 epiphytic orchid species and 22 phorophyte species. Orchids were found at an altitude from 514 m to 933 m above sea level. Altitude is the most discriminant factor in determining orchids’ distribution in the study area. The Maxent analysis showed that the suitable habitat of orchids comprises of 3,554.952 km2 area which is mainly located in lowland rainforest with high topographic diversity, preferably warm slope, and ridges. Since lower slope and lowland areas are not protected, community-based conservation such as social forestry can become one of the alternative solutions for in situ conservation of orchids. For ex-situ conservation, integrated orchid conservation in botanic gardens should be prioritized.

Isolation, Identification and Molecular Characterization of Endophytic Fungi from the leaves of Coelogyne species, and their role as an Antimicrobial agent

Endophytic fungi from Orchids believed to have an essential symbiotic relationship with the plant for both the germination of seeds and the development of young plantlets. Endophytes are microorganisms which live in the intercellular spaces of healthy host tissues without causing apparent symptoms. Endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plants are used for the development of drugs as they act as the source of bioactive compounds. This study has been designed to isolate the fungal endophytes from the leaves of three epiphytic orchid species (Coelogyne nervosa, A. Rich., Coelogyne mossiae, Rolf and Coelogyne cristata, Lindl) from the same genus Coelogyne, collected from Ooty flora, Coonoor. About five different endophytes were identified and their morphological characters were studied. Coelogyne cristata showed maximum colonization frequency. Among the five species, Fusarium species showed antibacterial activity against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus Subtilis, a pathogen found in soil, water and food. Fungal genomic DNA isolated for molecular identification from the four fungal species.

In vitro bioproduction and enhancement of moscatilin from a threatened tropical epiphytic orchid, Dendrobium ovatum (Willd.) Kraenzl

Moscatilin, a bibenzyl derivative (stilbenoid), mostly found in one of the largest genera of Orchidaceae; Dendrobium has many therapeutic benefits. Its function as an anticancer agent has been widely demonstrated through many research investigations. However, the compound has not been produced in vitro to date. The present study highlights the development of cultures viz., seedling generation, callus induction and callus regeneration (transformation of callus into plantlets). These cultures were devised to conserve the threatened tropical epiphytic orchid species, Dendrobium ovatum and identify their potential towards moscatilin bioproduction in vitro. Among the three culture platforms, callus-derived plantlets could yield high moscatilin when treated with l-Phenylalanine as a precursor. Tissue differentiation was found to be indispensable for the high production of this polyphenol. These cultures also offer potential commercial benefits as they can serve as appropriate platforms to decode moscatilin biosynthesis and other significant bibenzyl derivatives. Elicitors, such as chitosan, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmonate, were found, causing an enhancement in moscatilin content in the cultures. The seedlings obtained can serve towards ecorestoration and preservation of the studied species. Callogenesis was useful in plantlet regeneration, as callus-derived plantlets could be utilized for the enrichment and commercial scale-up of moscatilin-like chemicals.

Studi Keragaman Anggrek Epifit di Kepulauan Sula

Exploration of epiphytic orchids is very important at this time because the natural habitats of the orchids have begun to be damaged due to the forest conversion into plantations. Epiphytic orchids is a plant that grows upon another trees are scattered in limited, permanent and converted production forests. However, the expansion of coconut, clove and cocoa plantations has resulted in a narrowing of the forest area, resulting in reduced natural habitat for epiphytic orchids. The study aimed to establish the species of epiphytic orchids in Sula Islands, North Maluku. The study used a survey method with a descriptive approach and plots were determined by purposive sampling. The results found 6 species of epiphytic orchids in 8 plots i.e. Cymbidium finlaysonianum, Grammatophyllum scriptum, Trichoglottis latisepala, Brachypeza sp., Pomatocalpa spicata, and Aerides sp. Epiphytic orchids, C. finlaysonianum dominate the forest area reaching 77,29% respectively. There were 9 host trees that had been found, i.e Shorea sp., Cythea sp., Mangifera indica, Heritiera sp., Thesphesia macrophylla, Artocarpus sp., Calophyllum inophyllum, Ficus sp., and Cocos nucifera.
 Keywords: Epiphytic orchids, host trees, diversity, Sula Islands

Characteristics of Host Trees as Habitat for Ephiphytic Orchids in the Cibereum waterfall Path, Mount Gede Pangrango, West Java

An epiphytic orchid is one type of orchid that has the characteristics of habitat attached to the host tree. Mount Gede Pangrango, especially in the Cibereum waterfall, Selabintana, is a tropical forest area with many large host trees with a lush canopy, causing the epiphytic orchid species to form be abundant in the area. This study aims to determine the type and characteristics of the host tree used as a habitat for epiphytic orchids in the Cibereum waterfall path. The research method is to make ten plots on the right and left sides of the path, with each plot measuring 500x5 m and the distance between plots is 100 m. The results showed that on the Cibereum waterfall path, 33 species of host trees were found, consisting of 20 families. At the same time, the types of orchids found were 31 species from 12 genera. Almost all of the orchid hosts are trees, except for Brassaiopsis glomerulata are shrubs and Cyathea sp are poles. The characteristics of host trees as habitat for epiphytic orchids are: 4-51 m tall, trunk diameter 7-89 cm, canopy width 0-20 m, bark thickness 0-1.2 cm, bark texture rough to medium, generally colored brown, has no sap except for Ficus variegata, the surface of the trunk contains moss, and the epiphytic orchid growth zone on the host tree is mostly found in zones III and IV.

Inventarisasi Jenis-Jenis Anggrek di Kawasan Banyak Angkrem dan Kedung Kopong, Kecamatan Salaman, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah

Banyak Angkrem and Kedung Kopong are medium lowland tropical rain forest areas where many types of orchids can be found. This study aims to determine the types and diversity of orchids found in the area of ​​Banyak Angkrem and Kedung Kopong. Data was collected using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method with a radius to the right and to the left 5 m from the observation path with a research area ​​6.24 ha. The results showed that in the two areas found 15 species of orchids consisting of 10 species of epiphytic orchids (Acriopsis lilifolia, Agrostophyllum laxum, Bulbophyllum sp 1, Bulbophyllum sp 2, Dendrobium sagittatum, Dendrobium sp, Oberonia lotsyana, Pholidota sp, Polystaschya concreta, Vanila. planifolia) and 5 species of terrestrial orchids (Geodorum densivelorum, Malaxis ophrydis, Malaxis sp, Nervilia plicata, Perystilus goodyroides). The level of diversity (H ') of orchids in the two regions is classified as moderate with an H' value of 2.22

Habitat Ecology of Epiphytic & Terrestrial Orchids in Langchenphu, Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan

Orchids are the largest and diverse families of flowering plants. Orchids are found growing mostly in tropical climates affecting various communities socio-economically. Among many protected areas in Bhutan, Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (JWS) is the least explored in terms of flora and fauna. The study was carried out to assess diversity, host tree preferences and to determine the growth zone of epiphytic orchids along the altitudinal gradient in Langchenphu gewog in JWS. Transect technique was used in which three trails transect were laid out with 10 sampling plots in each transect. Plots size of 20 m × 20 m along the altitudinal gradients were established maintaining an altitudinal interval of 100 meters between each sample plot. A total of 42 species of epiphytic orchids from 20 genera was recorded of23 host tree species under 15 families were recorded. A significant correlation between diversity of orchid and altitude was observed (r = .927, p < .05). Myrtaceae and Theaceae were the most preferred host tree families (14%) followed by Bignoniaceae (13%) and others respectively. The Study concludes that 57% of total species encountered prefers higher canopy & on a tree with rough bark, Pearson chi-square test (X2(1) = 4.7, p< .05) showed a significant difference between trunk, branches, and canopy. Many epiphytic orchids prefer dense canopy (n = 73, 47%) and living trees (99%). Future studies should be focused more on the flowering season for obtaining better information on orchid diversity in the study area.

Orchids diversity on six forest types in Wasur National Park, Merauke, Papua, Indonesia

Abstract. Kusumastuti NK, Suratman, Pitoyo A. 2021. Orchids diversity on six forest types in Wasur National Park, Merauke, Papua, Indonesia. Asian J For 5: 101-110. Orchidaceae is one of the two largest families of flowering plants. Wasur National Park is the habitat of many orchid species and one of the in-situ conservation areas in Papua that is very suitable for orchids. This research aimed to determine the orchid species in Seksi Pengelolaan Taman Nasional Wilayah III (SPTN III) Wasur, Wasur National Park, Merauke District, Papua Province, Indonesia and to determine the distribution of orchid species in six different types of forest. This research was conducted using the exploratory method. A total of 25 orchid species belonging to 11 genera have been identified from SPTN III Wasur. Monsoon forest is the type of forest with the highest number of orchid species, with 15 orchid species. It is followed by savanna with ten species, Melaleuca forest with ten species, woodland forest with nine species, riparian forest with six species, and Melaleuca-Eucalyptus forest with 5 species. Dendrobium smillieae and Dendrobium rigidum are the most widely distributed epiphytic orchid species, and occur in almost all forest types. However, the terrestrial orchids, Geodorum densiflorum and Apostasia wallichii, are only found in the monsoon forest.

An examination of nectar production in 34 species of Dendrobium indicates that deceptive pollination in the orchids is not popular

AbstractNectar, the most common floral reward, is generally used to determine whether an orchid species involves deceptive pollination. Estimates of the deceptive pollination systems with nectarless flowers have ranged from one quarter to one third of the nearly 30 000 species of orchids. These estimates, however, are biased towards temperate‐zone, usually terrestrial, orchids. Here we investigated nectar production and property in 34 epiphytic orchid species of the Southeast Asian genus Dendrobium. Twenty‐one species were observed producing nectar. The amount and sugar concentration (in bagged flowers) of 12 species varied from 0.45 to 2.78 μL and from 8.1% to 31.1%. The nectar was sucrose‐dominant, typical of bee‐pollinated flowers. Reconstruction of phylogenetic relationship indicated that transition of nectar secretion occurred in the genus. Spur length was positively correlated with flower size but species with relatively long spurs tended to produce small volume of nectar. Nectar production was strikingly variable among and within individuals in some species, suggesting that a vital measurement of bagged and fresh flowers is needed. Given that the quantitative measurement of nectar or floral reward in orchid species remains scarce, an estimate of deceptive pollination systems awaits further survey in diverse genera.

Species diversity and abundance patterns of epiphytic orchids in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, India

Species diversity and abundance patterns of epiphytic orchids were studied in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Western Ghats of northern Kerala. Habitats sampled were wet evergreen (EVEG), montane wet evergreen (MEVG), moist deciduous (MDEC), and semi evergreen (SEVG), on a gradient of altitude from 60 to 1,589 m. Selective tree scanning on linear line transects was deployed (n= 40) across spatial units. A total of 39 orchid species were recorded. Rarefied species richness was maximum in the EVEG (20) habitat. Best suited rank abundance models were analysed for epiphytic orchids in each habitat and checked for significant differences. Bootstrap and Jackknife-1 estimators and species accumulation curves suggested higher species richness than observed, therefore more effort in sampling was needed in order to record all epiphytic orchids of the area. The difference in species richness between habitat types was not statistically significant (ANOVA). 38% of recorded epiphytic orchid species were endemic.

Effects of tree density and the topography of the sites of host trees on epiphytic orchid communities on Schima wallichii in a forest in West Java, Indonesia

To investigate the effect of surrounding tree density and the topography of the site of the host tree on the abundance, species richness, and diversity of epiphytic orchids, 32 trees of Schima wallichii were chosen randomly and the epiphytic orchids were counted and identified. Within a circle of radius 20m from each host tree, trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 20 cm had their species name and DBH recorded. In addition, the angle and direction of slope on which the host tree stood were measured. DBH of host trees affected epiphytic orchid abundance, species richness, and diversity positively. Density of trees surrounding each host tree, steepness and being on a north facing slope had a negative effect on epiphytic orchid abundance. However, species richness and the diversity of epiphytic orchids were not affected by any of the host conditions.

Mating system and female reproductive success of the endemic and endangered epiphyte Rhynchostele cervantesii (Orchidaceae) in a cloud forest in Michoacan, Mexico

Background and aims – The Orchidaceae family is vulnerable, because of the destruction of their habitat, as well as the extraction of individuals from natural populations. This is the case of the genus Rhynchostele Rchb.f.; among the actions considered important for appropriate conservation strategies for this genus is the generation of fundamental knowledge, such as on its reproductive biology. The objective of this work is to understand the mating system and reproductive success of Rhynchostele cervantesii, an endangered epiphytic orchid endemic to Mexico.Material and methods – Manual and open-pollination treatments were conducted during 2014 and 2015 in a cloud forest in Michoacan, Mexico. In each period, 30 to 40 randomly selected inflorescences were subjected to the following treatments: a) spontaneous-self-pollination, b) emasculation, c) self-pollination, d) cross-pollination, and e) open-pollination. The developed fruits were counted and harvested, the viability of the seeds was determined, through the observation and evaluation of embryos using microscopy.Key results – Significant differences were recorded between the treatments in both 2014 and 2015, with higher fruit production in cross-pollination than in self-pollination and natural-pollination. There were significant differences in seed viability, with higher values for seeds from open-pollination and cross-pollination and lower values for seeds from self-pollination.Conclusions – Rhynchostele cervantesii is a species that requires pollinators for sexual reproduction because there is no fruit production with spontaneous-self-pollination. Under pollen limitation, the fruit set of natural pollination was a lot lower than in cross-pollination although fruits were the same quality. R. cervantesii had a mixed mating system with a tendency to exogamy, presenting high values of female reproductive success compared to other tropical epiphytic orchid species reported in the literature.