Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) :
- 1.It is an epiphytic orchid.
- 2.The species is endemic to North-east India.
- 3.It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Show answer
Answer: B. Statement 1 is correct: the Foxtail orchid grows on trees, so it is epiphytic. Statement 2 is wrong: it is found widely across South and South-east Asia, not only in North-east India. Statement 3 is correct: Rhynchostylis retusa is the state flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam (Kopou phool). So 1 and 3.
Watch for: Since it is a state flower of NE states, students assume it is found only there.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because statement 3 is also correct.
- C. Wrong because the orchid is not endemic to North-east India.
- D. Wrong because statement 1 is also correct.
Source to check: Botanical Survey of India (bsi.gov.in) notes on Rhynchostylis retusa; Government of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh state symbol listings
Answer from the provisional UPSC key; it may change when the final key is out. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.