ILOILO – Most people think of orchids as showy flowers growing on trees but there are also many species of ground-dwelling orchids.
Ground orchids tend to be small, ephemeral, and easily overlooked — unlike the epiphytic orchids so beloved by gardeners. Nonetheless, terrestrial orchids are also beautiful and fascinating.
At the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) campus in Miag-ao town, researchers and students have discovered a surprising diversity of ground orchid species — approximately seven species as of last count, some of which are recorded for the first time in Panay Island.
Being ground-dwelling, these orchids are vulnerable to trampling and other threats, especially during their short flowering and fruiting period during the rainy season.
These discoveries are proof of the rich biodiversity of the UPV Miag-ao Campus, and highlight the fact that UPV serves as a de facto refuge for species that are fast disappearing due to forest clearing and habitat destruction.
Studies suggest that ground orchids tend to be more diverse and abundant in lowland areas than in upland forests.
To thrive, orchids must maintain complex relationships with soil fungi and pollinators, thus they are more sensitive to changes in their environment than other plants. For these reasons, ground orchids can be indicators of lowland ecosystem health.
Unfortunately, many species of ground orchids have declined in abundance due to human activities such as habitat loss and over collection.
The presence of floral and faunal species of interest at UPV Miag-ao Campus will influence the direction of development of the university as laid out in the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Projects for the Miag-ao campus.
The rich variety of species that exist in the campus are among the many things that the UPV-LGU Friendship Week Celebration 2023 will highlight this Aug. 1-4, 2023. (Dr. Maria Celia D. Malay & Dr. Ma. Regina B. Altamirano, with notes from OVCPD)/PN
