Eulophia picta:
Scientists recently identified a rare orchid species, Eulophia picta, in central Andhra Pradesh, marking the first recorded presence of this species in the region.
- Eulophia picta is a medium-to-small, hot-growing terrestrial orchid.
- It is commonly known as Nodding Swamp Orchid or pink nodding orchid.
- It is found from India to Southeast Asia to Australia in moist grasslands, sandy areas behind beaches, and rainforests.
- It is also found in semi-deciduous and deciduous dry lowland forests at elevations up to 1000 m, with underground, spherical pseudobulbs.
- A distinctive leafy species with three to five broad, smooth, ribbed leaves and pale pink, rarely white flowers.
- The flowers do not open but remain as a tube.
- The distinctive inflorescence is hooked like a shepherd’s crook when plants are flowering but straightens as the prominently ribbed seed capsules develop.
- It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings.
