Response of Foxtail orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa L. Blume.) restoration on various phorophytes in the Eastern Himalayas

Translocation of endangered taxa could be an effective conservation strategy to mitigate the risk of extinction. This research examined the growth and development of translocated of an important orchid species of the region, Rhynchostylis retusa L. Blume. The investigation was carried out with the objective of understanding the association of epiphytes with six phorophytes, as well as the factors of phorophyte preference and best adaptability of orchids on it. Plant morphological and physiological aspects (growth, flower production and regulation of photosynthetic pigments), along with studies of six phorophytes (morphological and physicochemical studies) indicated that R. retusa has preference for Michelia champaca (T ₅ ) followed by Mangifera indica (T ₁ ) under subtropical and humid climate of Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phorophyte barks possessing fine to moderately rough texture, moderately acidic pH range and bark water holding capacity of 69–74% favoured the establishment and growth of the orchid. Additionally, lower lignin content (< 30%) was found to be suitable for orchid growth and development. This could be a possible recommendation for its translocation aiming at conservation and environmental restoration under in-situ condition.