Wild orchids diversity in Lai Son and Nam Du islands in Kien Giang province

Abstract

This study assessed the diversity of wild orchid species composition in Lai Son and Nam Du islands, Kien Giang province, a scientific basis for more effectively exploitating, using, managing and conservating wild orchid resources in these islands. This study used PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal), field investigation, morphological comparison and classification, with the aid of specialized orchid books. The results showed that a total of 31 species of orchids belonging to 18 genera of the Orchidaceae. Of which, Lai Son island had 22 species of 15 genera and Nam Du island had 18 species of 12 genera. The life forms of wild orchids were quite diverse, but mainly epiphyte orchids accounting for 64.52% species. All species were distributed in natural forest on rocky mountain biotope, only 12 species were grown by local people in home garden biotope. There were 30 species with identified geographical factors, most of them originating from tropical Asian countries. The use value of wild orchids was also determined with 22 species used as ornamental plants, of which 4 were medicinal. All collected wild orchid species were in group IIA of Decree 84/2021/ND-CP, only one species was in the Vietnam Red Book (2007) at the endangered level (EN).