Terrestrial Orchids

            It is believed that the ancestors of the orchid family had been developed from the Liliaceae family. Those primitive orchids had the same characteristics as the terrestrial orchids. However, at present, only some of the terrestrial orchids possess that primitive look. Nowadays there are only a few species of those orchids left for us to appreciate the link between those early developments.The similarity matching their ancestors can be depicted from the structure of the flowers and the leaves which are thin and pleated.

Cymbidium insigne

            A large terrestrial orchid found growing near streams in the pine forests,such as Phu Luang and Phu Kradueng, Loei Province. Flowering is from winter through summer.

Apostasia nuda

            A rare terrestrial orchid with the most primitive habits among the orchid family found growing in lowland evergreen forests of the southern region, such as Khao Nor Chu-chi,Krabi province. Flowering is during the rainny.

Cryptostylis arachnites

            A rere terrestrial orchid with an odd looking upward lip found growing in montane forests, such as Phu Luang, Loei province.Flowering is in the rainy season.

Tainia hookeriana

            A terrestrial orchid with a large ground pseudobulb found growing in pine and montane forests, such as Phu Luang,Loei province. Flowering is in summer.

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