Orchidaceae
All species
Orchids

Two thousand and five hundred species of orchids are estimated to occur in Sabah and Sarawak. These include 140 genera which account for 10% of the total orchid species in the world. Many species have been collected for herbarium specimens and ex-situ conservation in the Botanical Research Centre, Semengoh. However, many species have yet to be identified. To date, a total of 499 species from 114 genera have been identified, many of which are endemic to Sarawak.

The diversity of forms found in the orchid family is amazing. The smallest orchids of the Bulbophyllum species are no more than a few millimetres tall while others like Vanilla species climb to 30m. Different species show variations in vegetative growth. The flowers vary in size, shape, colours and smell.

Orchids are threatened because of their great horticultural value. These include species in genera of Arachnis, Phalaenopsis, Renanthera, Rhyncostylis and Vanda.

The most outstanding genus is  Paphiopedilium   (slipper orchid) with P. sanderanium having appendages up to 50cm long.

Habitat: Epiphytic and terrestrial in all forest types, although many species are habitat specific.

Distribution: Throughout Sarawak.

Note: Only wild orchids are protected. Hybrids however, are not included.