Question

UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid)

It is an epiphytic orchid.

The species is endemic to North-east India.

It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: 1 and 3

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Rhynchostylis retusa is an epiphytic orchid with a pendant raceme consisting of more than 100 pink spotted flowers. Rhynchostylis orchids grow epiphytically in Asian rainforests on the lower parts of trees. So, statement 1 is correct.
The species is not endemic to North-east India. In India, the plant is most common in the North-East, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh and beyond India, it is distributed across China, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. So, statement 2 is not correct.
Rhynchostylis retusa is recognized as the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India. In Assam it is popularly known as kopou phool and is an integral part of Bihu dancer's attire. So, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

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