HOST TREE UTILIZATION BY EPIPHYTIC ORCHIDS IN DIFFERENT LAND USE INTENSITIES IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Paper published in Plant Ecology by Adhikari et al (2012) found strong relationship between epiphytic orchid species in different land use intensities in Kathmandu valley. In total, they identified 23 orchid species from 42 host trees. Among the epiphytic orchids Rhynchostylis retusa was most dominant one. The study found that for successful establishment and success of epiphytic orchids, host species and bark characteristics such as rugosity, pH and exposure to wind played a vital role.

The study found that higher numbers of epiphytic orchids were found on larger host trees in urban areas than in areas of lower human impact. Also, older larger trees with rougher bark, low pH, exposed to wind and
reduced human impact provided better habitats for orchids. This findings will be beneficial for urban palnning to reduce human impact on the associated orchid epiphytic community.

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