Host Plant and Orchids Associations: A Strategic approach to Epiphytic Orchids Conservation

Shweta Chandra; Mangesh J  Dagawal; Gajender  Singh; Divya Jain; Nidhi Mahendru; Sweta Mishra; Sanjeet Kumar

doi:10.36808/if/2026/v152i8/171346

Host Plant and Orchids Associations: A Strategic approach to Epiphytic Orchids Conservation

Authors

Shweta Chandra Department of Botany, St. Columba's College, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
Mangesh J Dagawal Department of Botany, Smt. Radhabai Sarda Arts Commerce and Science College, Anjangaon Surji, Amravati, Maharashtra
Gajender Singh Department of Pharmacogansy, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Banglore, Karnataka
Divya Jain Department of Botany, Sanatan Dharma College, Ambala Cantt, Ambala, Haryana
Nidhi Mahendru Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana
Sweta Mishra Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana
Sanjeet Kumar Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i8/171346

Keywords:

Orchid conservation, Host plant association, Epiphytic orchids, Biodiversity, Habitat restoration, Odisha.

Abstract

Orchids are among the most ecologically significant plant groups and are highly sensitive to environmental changes and host plant availability. Understanding orchid–host plant associations is therefore essential for developing effective conservation strategies. The present study was conducted in the Sundargarh district of Odisha and Jamtara district of Jharkhand, India, during 2021–2024 to document the host plants of selected epiphytic orchid genera. A total of 132 locations were surveyed, resulting in the documentation of 35 host plant species belonging to 30 genera. Among the recorded host plants, 27 were trees and 8 were climbers. Shorea robusta, Madhuca longifolia and Mangifera indica emerged as the most important host species, supporting multiple orchid genera. The study further revealed that climbers also play a significant role in supporting orchid diversity. The findings highlighted the ecological importance of orchid host plants and emphasize that the conservation of orchids should be integrated with the protection and restoration of their associated host species. The documented host plant inventory provides a valuable baseline for habitat restoration and long-term conservation planning of wild orchids in India.

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