VALUABLE TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS- AN OVERVIEW

Globally, out of 25,000-30,000 orchid species, 20% are terrestrial and grow on the ground level in the soil. These orchids are rich in starch and alkaloids and medicinally important. Terrestrial orchid often grow from rhizomes and have hairy roots. They may be either creeping or erect type based on their growth habit. In the present review, botanical description, medicinal use and culture of some important genera of terrestrial orchidsviz. Calanthe, Eulophia, Phaius, Pleione, Habenaria, Malaxis and Orchis are discussed