Question:
Which of the following is a largest Indian orchid?
Which of the following is a largest Indian orchid?
Show Hint
Saprophytic orchids like *Galeola falconeri* are highly sensitive to habitat disturbance.
Because they rely on specific mycorrhizal fungi rather than photosynthesis, they are almost impossible to cultivate outside their native forest habitats.
Because they rely on specific mycorrhizal fungi rather than photosynthesis, they are almost impossible to cultivate outside their native forest habitats.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
- Bletia purpurea
- Aerides multiflorum
- Cymbidium giganteum
- Galeola falconeri
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Orchids (family Orchidaceae) represent one of the most diverse groups of flowering plants in India, particularly in the northeastern Himalayan and Western Ghats regions.
This question focuses on identifying the largest orchid species native to India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each of the orchid species listed:
1. Bletia purpurea:
This is a terrestrial orchid species native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America, not a large native Indian species.
Thus, Option (A) is incorrect.
2. Aerides multiflorum:
This is an epiphytic orchid native to India, popular for its beautiful spikes of pink/purple flowers, but it is of moderate size.
Thus, Option (B) is incorrect.
3. Cymbidium giganteum (now *Cymbidium iridioides*):
This is a large epiphytic orchid found in the Himalayas, but its vegetative size is much smaller than giant terrestrial saprophytes.
Thus, Option (C) is incorrect.
4. Galeola falconeri:
This is a giant, terrestrial, leafless saprophytic orchid native to the moist, shady forest floors of the Eastern Himalayas (including Garhwal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh).
It does not contain chlorophyll and derives nutrition through symbiotic associations with soil fungi.
The plant produces massive, fleshy, reddish-yellow flowering stems that can grow up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in height, making it verified as the largest orchid species native to India.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The largest Indian orchid is Galeola falconeri.
This matches Option (D).
Orchids (family Orchidaceae) represent one of the most diverse groups of flowering plants in India, particularly in the northeastern Himalayan and Western Ghats regions.
This question focuses on identifying the largest orchid species native to India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each of the orchid species listed:
1. Bletia purpurea:
This is a terrestrial orchid species native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America, not a large native Indian species.
Thus, Option (A) is incorrect.
2. Aerides multiflorum:
This is an epiphytic orchid native to India, popular for its beautiful spikes of pink/purple flowers, but it is of moderate size.
Thus, Option (B) is incorrect.
3. Cymbidium giganteum (now *Cymbidium iridioides*):
This is a large epiphytic orchid found in the Himalayas, but its vegetative size is much smaller than giant terrestrial saprophytes.
Thus, Option (C) is incorrect.
4. Galeola falconeri:
This is a giant, terrestrial, leafless saprophytic orchid native to the moist, shady forest floors of the Eastern Himalayas (including Garhwal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh).
It does not contain chlorophyll and derives nutrition through symbiotic associations with soil fungi.
The plant produces massive, fleshy, reddish-yellow flowering stems that can grow up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in height, making it verified as the largest orchid species native to India.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The largest Indian orchid is Galeola falconeri.
This matches Option (D).
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