A survey of Sairep Peak: Orchid diversity and community-led conservation

Orchids, often referred to as the aristocrats of the plant kingdom, have captivated human imagination for centuries. With their exquisite colours, intricate patterns, and diverse forms, orchids have become a symbol of beauty, elegance, and rarity. Orchids, belonging to the Orchidaceae family, are found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. In India, these delicate yet resilient flowers can be found gracing a wide range of habitats, from the beautiful and majestic mountains of the Himalayas to the sub-tropical ranges of the Eastern and Western Ghats and to the far Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Eastern Himalayan ranges of India are known to be the centre where many of these beautiful plants originate. It is no wonder that India is home to more than 1400 different orchid species and North-eastern India is a treasure-trove of these graceful plants