Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) : 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3
- C.2 and 3
- D.3 only
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, 1 and 3. The Foxtail orchid grows on trees as an epiphyte and is the state flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, but it is not confined to North-east India.
Rhynchostylis retusa gets its common name from its long, drooping spike of pink-spotted white flowers that looks like a fox's tail. As an epiphyte it clings to the bark of trees and takes moisture from the air and rain; it is not a parasite and does not draw food from the host. In Assam it is called Kopou phool and is worn in Bihu celebrations. Its natural range is wide, covering the Indian subcontinent and much of South-east Asia, which is why statement 2 fails.
A is wrong: it leaves out statement 3, which is also correct.
C is wrong: statement 2 is false, since the orchid is found well beyond North-east India.
D is wrong: statement 1 is also correct.
Exam tip: Foxtail orchid (Kopou phool) = epiphyte = state flower of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh; "endemic" is the trap.
Practice Questions
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