Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) :
- It is an epiphytic orchid.
- The species is endemic to North-east India.
- It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 — Correct. It's an epiphytic orchid — it grows on tree trunks/branches, using the tree only for support and taking moisture from air. It's not a parasite, doesn't harm the tree.
Statement 2 — Incorrect. Not endemic to North-east India. It's found across Tropical Asia — China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines. Even within India, it grows in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar too — not just North-east.
Statement 3 — Correct. It is the State flower of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In Assam, it's called Kopou Phool — culturally important, worn during Bihu dance and weddings.
Memory Trick: "Epiphyte + Endemic" sound similar but mean different things — epiphyte = grows on trees; endemic = found only in one place. Don't confuse the two!
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