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Botanical Distribution and Cultural Significance

Decode Botanical Distribution and Cultural Significance using previous year trends.

Official Question UPSC 2026

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) : 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B
Let us evaluate the botanical and cultural profile of Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) based on Botanical Survey of India data:
•Statement 1 is Correct: The Foxtail orchid is a classic epiphyte. It grows harmlessly upon the trunks and branches of other trees for physical support, drawing its moisture and nutrients from the humid air and rain, rather than being rooted in soil or acting as a parasite.
•Statement 2 is Incorrect: While highly prominent in the Northeast, the species is not endemic (restricted solely) to that region. It enjoys a massive, wide native distribution across Tropical Asia, encompassing China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and even other Indian states like Odisha and the Andaman Islands.
•Statement 3 is Correct: Culturally, the flower is immensely significant. Known locally as Kopou Phool in Assam, it is an integral ornament in traditional Bihu dance attire. Consequently, it has been officially declared the State flower of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Conclusion: Statements 1 and 3 accurately describe the plant.

Quick Recall

Rhynchostylis retusa, commonly known as the Foxtail orchid, is an epiphytic plant that grows on tree trunks. While highly culturally significant in Northeast India—serving as the state flower of Assam (Kopou Phool) and Arunachal Pradesh—it is not endemic to the region, holding a wide native distribution across Tropical Asia.

Concept Flow Mapping

Foxtail Orchid
Is State Flower Of
Assam
Foxtail Orchid
Is State Flower Of
Arunachal Pradesh
Foxtail Orchid
Possesses Trait
Epiphytic

Concept Question

Which epiphytic orchid, locally known as Kopou Phool, is the official state flower of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh?

Key Takeaway

The Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa).

Examiner's Trap

The examiner preys on regional association. Because the flower is famously the State Flower of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, candidates naturally (but falsely) assume it is 'endemic' (exclusively restricted) to that specific region, forgetting it grows all across Southeast Asia.

Core Insight

An epiphyte is an 'air plant'. It grows non-parasitically on other plants (like tree trunks) for physical support, deriving its moisture and nutrients directly from the air, rain, and accumulated debris, rather than growing in the soil.

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