Rajasthan, predominantly known for its thorny and small-leaved vegetation, surprisingly hosts over 20 orchid species in its southern regions, mainly within the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges. Despite the state’s arid climate, these orchids have adapted to suitable microhabitats, offering a unique botanical diversity.
Globally, more than 25,000 orchid species are recorded, with India accounting for over 1,250 species, including 388 endemic to the country. In Rajasthan, key sites for observing wild orchids include Phulwari Wildlife Sanctuary, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary.
| SN | Botanical Name | Reported from |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acampe praemorsa | |
| 2 | Acampe rigida | |
| 3 | Aerides crispa | |
| 4 | Aerides maculosa | |
| 5 | Aerides multiflora | |
| 6 | Epipactis veratrifolia | |
| 7 | Eulophia herbacea | |
| 8 | Eulophia ochreata | |
| 9 | Geodorum recurvum | |
| 10 | Habenaria digitata | |
| 11 | Habenaria furcifera | |
| 12 | Habenaria gibsonii var. foetida | |
| 13 | Habenaria longicorniculata | |
| 14 | Habenaria marginata | |
| 15 | Habenaria plantaginea | |
| 16 | Nervilia aragoana | |
| 17 | Pecteilis gigantea | |
| 18 | Peristylus constrictus | Sitamata WLS, Pratapgarh |
| 19 | Peristylus lawii | |
| 20 | Peristylus stocksil | |
| 21 | Vanda tessellata | |
| 22 | Vanda testacea | |
| 23 | Zeuxine strateumatica |