What is Coelogyne tripurensis?

About Coelogyne tripurensis:

• It is a new species of orchid.
• It was discovered from the moist broadleaf forests of Jampui Hills in Tripura, situated at the westernmost fringe of Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot.
• This genus, consisting of around 600 species, is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Southwest Pacific Islands.
  • The genus consists of mostly epiphytic (rarely lithophytic and terrestrial) taxa and is widely popular among horticulturists for its high ornamental value and easy growth requirements. 
• The section of Coelogyne to which the new species belongs, Fuliginosae, is characterised by unique features such as showy flowers, a distinctive labellum, and keels.
• Species belonging to this group show a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, rendering them challenging to delineate.

Q1: What are epiphytic plants?

Epiphytic plants are plants that grow on a host, but takes no water or nutrients from the host. They rely on specialized plant structures that absorb water and nutrients. 

News: Tripura: New orchid species ‘Coelogyne tripurensis’ discovered in Jampui Hills