TY  - JOUR
T1  - Mist‐Mediated Microenvironments and Their Influence on Wild Orchid Growth, Flowering and Symbiotic Moss Relationships in Wayanad
AU - Sabu, V.U. AU - Paulose, Jincy 
JO  - Research Journal of Biological Sciences
VL  - 20
IS  - 1
SP  - 6
EP  - 10
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1815-8846
DO  - makrjbs.2025.6.10
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=makrjbs.2025.6.10
KW  - Wild orchids
KW  - western ghats
KW  - wayanad
KW  - survival strategies
KW  - physiological adaptations
KW  - microhabitat preferences
KW  - water conservation
KW  - ecological interactions
KW  - climate stress
KW  - biodiversity conservation
AB  - Wild orchids in the Western Ghats, Wayanad, face extreme
environmental challenges during the hot summer months. This study,
conducted from 2022‐2025, explores the diverse survival strategies
employed by these orchids to withstand harsh climatic conditions. The
research focuses on key physiological adaptations, microhabitat
preferences, water conservation mechanisms and ecological interactions
that enable their persistence. Through field observations, data collection,
and statistical analysis, the study identifies the critical role of
microhabitats‐such as shaded forest canopies, moss‐covered rocks and
tree trunks‐in regulating temperature and humidity levels for orchid
survival. The orchids exhibit specialized physiological responses, including
reduced transpiration rates, succulence in roots and leaves and altered
photosynthetic pathways. Additionally, water conservation strategies,
such as velamen roots and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM)
photosynthesis, play a pivotal role in coping with limited water
availability. The research also highlights the significance of ecological
interactions, such as symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi and
pollinator behavior, which further support their survival during extreme
summer conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the
adaptive strategies of wild orchids, contributing to the broader
understanding of plant resilience to climate stress. The findings
emphasize the need for habitat conservation and climate‐aware
biodiversity management to protect these fragile orchid populations.
Future research should focus on long‐term climate impacts and
conservation strategies to safeguard these ecologically and aesthetically
important species.
ER  -