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Q26·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2026

Foxtail Orchid Characteristics

EnvironmentBotany & FloraStatement-basedMediumStatic

Question

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid):

1It is an epiphytic orchid.
2The species is endemic to North-east India.
3It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options

a

1 only

b

1 and 3

Answer
c

2 and 3

d

3 only

Explanation

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Rhynchostylis retusa (the Foxtail Orchid) is an epiphytic species that grows harmlessly on other trees for physical support. It is officially designated as the State Flower of both Assam (where it is known as Kopou Phool) and Arunachal Pradesh. Statement 2 is incorrect because the species is widely distributed across the humid woodlands of South and Southeast Asia and is not endemic to Northeast India.

The Foxtail Orchid is an epiphytic plant that serves as the official state flower for both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, with a broad distribution across South and Southeast Asia.

Question details

Year

2026

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q26

Subject

Environment

Sub-topic

Botany & Flora

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

Botanical Survey of India / State Symbols of Northeast India

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