INDIGENOUS ORCHIDS AND ZINGIBERACEOUS TAXA OF GARO HILLS, MEGHALAYA

Abstract

Exploration and identification of indigenous ornamental species is one of the new areas of research and accounts wide spectrum of uses in environmental management. Using field investigation in combination with analysis of relevant literature and available data, this paper presents the study of botanical exploration and investigation in forest area of Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Results indicated that Garo Hills had abundance of indigenous Orchidaceae and Zingiberaceae family flora which exhibits wide range of diversity in terms of taxa, habit and growth forms. This study identified 16 species belonging to Orchidaceae family and 10 species belonging to Zingeberaceae family with potential artistic ornamental value. The distinguishing features of these indigenous plants, their characteristics and habits were analyzed. The ornamental potential of most plants are its flowers. We hope that this work will help the researchers and people, who are interested in wild indigenous Orchidaceae and Zingiberaceae flowers.