A Guide to Orchids of Myanmar

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 this book 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.

• 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