Orchid Value: Uncovering Its Significance for the People of Assam- A Review Analysis

Abstract

Orchids are one of the largest groups of Angiosperms belonging to the family Orchidaceae. They are no doubt one of the most beautiful and fascinating flowers of nature and are highly popular as ornamental plants in both national and international markets. Besides ornamental value, orchids have immense ethnomedicinal significance. In Assam, orchids have been associated with the culture of Assamese people since the past, especially in the traditional system of medicine used and described by the ethnic communities and tribes. The present paper emphasizes the medicinal uses of some of the orchids of Assam and their use for curing various ailments. However, with the advent of modern civilization and the lack of spread of proper ethnomedicinal knowledge, its awareness and beneficial values are slowly declining. Therefore, the preservation and conservation of these orchids by modern biotechnological approaches along with proper propagation of their ethnomedicinal values is necessary for their benefit to humanity.