Botanical Name: Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume
Family: Orchidaceae
Common name: Foxtail
Orchid
Vernacular name in Assamese: কপৌ ফুল Kopou phool
General characters: Epiphytic
herb. It has an erect growth form and can grow up to 50 cm tall. The leathery
leaves are recurved and deeply channeled. The flowers are borne on densely
flowered, drooping racemes originating from the leaf axils. The flowers consist
of white sepals and petals with pink blotches and a pink flower lip.
Traditional Knowledge: The inflorescence
is used by Assamese girls to adorn their hair during the spring festival
‘Rongali Bihu’. Among the youths of Assam, this orchid is regarded as symbol of
love, fertility and merriment. It is also used in marriage ceremony of the
Assamese. Considering its importance the native of Assam grow this species in
their home premises.
Medicinal Uses: Plant used in treatment
of cuts and wounds.
IUCN status: It is an endangered species.
