Saprophytic Orchids

             In the astonishing world of the botany,the saprophytic orchids are different from others due to the fact that they donot carry chlorophyll. Therefore,they need to find food from the organic matters on the forest floor and through the help of the mycorrhizal fungi. The saprophytic orchids will allow mycorrhizal fungi to live inside the tubers or the roots. Those fungi will emit the enzyme to digest the organic matters and will in turn bring about the mutrition needed for the orchids. Water and sugar from the orchids would be the elements given to the fungi in return. This is an example of how they survive by helping each other, amazingly.

Didymoplexiopsis khiriwongensis

            A new saprophytic species,found growing as endemically in the hill evergreen forests of Khao Luang. Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Flowering is in summer.

Stereosandra javanica

            A rare saprophytic orchid with an underground tuber found growing in evergreen forests,such as Khao Phawta Luang Kaeo, Ranong province. Flowering is in summer.

Galeola  altissima

            A large saprophytic orchid with long climbing stems found crawling on trees in dry evergreen forests,such as Khao Ta Krup, Sa Kaeo province. Flowering is all year round.

Epipogium roseum

            A saprophytic orchid with an underground tuber usually found growing with bamboos in evergreen forests, such as Khao Soi Dao,Chantaburi province. Flowering is in summer.

[ Back ]