First Documentation of Terrestrial Orchids in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Jharkhand, India

Abstract Globally, approximately 25% of the estimated 25,000 to 30,000 orchid species are terrestrial, thriving ground level in soil environments around the world. Orchids have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, and researchers continue to explore their potential benefits. Terrestrial orchids often grow from tubers or rhizomes and have thickened roots, which maybe hairy or covered with velamen. These terrestrial orchids can be either erect or creeping, depending on their growth habit. These beautiful orchids are prized for their beauty with very rich ornamental value, also these plants impressive medicinal properties which is naturally gifted. These amazing plants are monocotyledonous angiospermic herbaceous which comes to the family of orchidaceae. In the present study of terrestrial orchids- documentation, botanical description, medicinal use are discussed. Documentation study was carried out in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary of Jharkhand State. Eulophia explanata, Habenaria constricta, Habenaria commelinifolia, Nervilia aragoana, and Zeuxine strateumatica, were found to be present as terrestrial orchids. A total of 5 species of these terrestrial orchids were enlisted from October 2024 to October 2025 probably the first report from Jharkhand State. These orchids were grown in humus-rich and moist soil. For identification and medicinal uses of these orchids’ literature review was done through various search engines.