Ecology and Taxonomic Note on Zeuxine strateumatica (Linnaeus) Schlechter (Orchidaceae) from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India

Abstract

Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schltr.is a terrestrial orchid. It is reported from the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar state, India, as a new record for the flora of Muzaffarpur. The present study deals with morpho-taxonomical description along with its associated plant species. Field surveys were conducted during July 2024 to May 2025 across the campus of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, for the documentation of floral diversity. Specimens were photographed, and relevant morphological characters were recorded using standard taxonomic procedures. Herbarium specimens were prepared, and identification was done using regional floras. The geographical coordinates of the location were recorded using GPS, and habitat parameters such as associated flora were documented. Moreover, to record its ethnobotanical data, semi-structured interviews were conducted among the local tribes to gather information about its medicinal uses. The present finding contributes to a better understanding of the geographic range of Z. strateumatica and highlights the potential for further botanical discoveries in the Muzaffarpur district. The paper provides photographs, habitat ecology, phenology, and distributional range for this endemic orchid species to facilitate the identification and conservation measures.