The Diversity of Tropical Orchids of South Papua
ABSTRACT: Papua is an area
with very wide range, from lowland with altitude 0 m to highland area with 4730
m above sea level. Orchids species constitute the greater part of orchids
diversity, which can grow on the bare branches of tall trees, or embedded in
moss dripping in wet and cool mountain forests, as well as in the eternal shade
of tropical rain forest. Numerous plants world-wide are threatened with
extinction because of degradation or destruction of their habitat. Orchids are
among the most threatened plants of all, especially when pressure from dealers
and collectors aggravales the problems. South Papua is a lowland area with the
elevation around 0-7 m above sea level, temperature 23-30 0 C, and 1500 m
rainfall per year. The aims of these investigations were to explore the
diversity of tropical orchids in South Papua. The exploration and collection
were done in Asmat, Boven Digul, Mappi, and Merauke. The study found 22 genera
and 75 species, mostly are epiphytic.
Author: VERENA AGUSTINI, SUHARYANTO, SUHARNO, LISIARD DIMARA, AND
CHRIS D. SEMBAY
Kode Jurnal: jpbiologigg130008
