A Guide to Orchids of Myanmar

About this book

Language: English

The orchid flora of Myanmar is fairly rich with just over 800 different species, which is a reflection of the country's varied topography and climate. Following a long period of political isolation the Myanmar orchids are among the least known in tropical mainland Asia. Some highly attractive orchids are found here, notably some large-flowered and brightly coloured species in the genera Coelogyne, Dendrobium and Cymbidium. Affinities to the orchid flora of the Himalayas are found in the north of the country, while typical Malesian elements occur in the southern part of Myanmar. In A Guide to Orchids of Myanmar we would like to give readers an impression of the diversity found in the orchids that are growing in the wild in Myanmar. After short introductory chapters, with general notes on the country and its orchid flora, we describe and illustrate 116 selected examples of Myanmar orchid species. Many of the photographs were taken in the natural habitat of the plants, while several others originated in cultivation. We also provide an identification key to the groups of orchids found here, as well as a preliminary checklist of the species recorded so far.

Contents

Foreword  vii
Introduction  1
Geography, Climate and Vegetation  2
The Orchid Flora  8
Affinities to Other Regions  11
Endemics  11
Structure  12
Vegetative Features (Roots, Stems and Leaves)  13
Flowers  18
History of the Orchidology of Myanmar  22
Uses of Myanmar Orchids  26
Conservation  29
Habitat Destruction  29
Myanmar Orchids in Local and International Trade  30
Legislation  33
In situ and Ex situ Conservation  34
Classification  35
Key to the Orchid Groups Represented in Myanmar  39
The Genera of Orchids of Myanmar illustrated in this Book  43
A Selection of Species  51
Glossary  168
Further Reading  173
Acknowledgements  174
Photo Credits  175
General Index  176
Index of Scientific Names  177
Appendix 182

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