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Orchidaceae is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom. It has high diversity within the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, and is considered as a characteristic feature to measure forest richness. This study explores the orchid diversity in Kozhikode District, Kerala, India. A total of 57 species belonging to 28 genera were identified within the study region. Among the total, 42 were epiphytic species and 15 species were terrestrial. Additionally, 16 species were identified as endemic to India, of which, 10 species were exclusive to the Western Ghats, four species to the Western and Eastern Ghats, and two species to peninsular India. Previous studies conducted within this region, only recorded 10 species. The present study, however, adds new records of 47 species to the orchid diversity of Kozhikode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberaphis xinglongensis (Zhang and Zhong) is recorded for the first time from India on Areca catechu Linnaeus. The aphid is re-described, illustrated and measured. The identity of species is confirmed with help of molecular characterization. A key to the species under this genus from India is provided. Arecanut is new host plant record for this aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field survey across various parts of India coupled with an analysis of the literature and an examination of herbarium specimens revealed the presence of four species of crop wild relatives that have not been reported from India, viz., Dioscorea piscatorum Prain & Burkill (from Little & Great Nicobar), Fagopyrum gracilipes (Hemsl.) Dammer ex Diels (from Arunachal Pradesh), Rubus praecox Bertol. (from Jammu & Kashmir), and Ziziphus subquinquenervia Miq. (from Great Nicobar). While Rubus praecox is naturalised in the Kashmir Valley, Dioscorea piscatorum and Ziziphus subquinquenervia were found truly wild, and Fagopyrum gracilipes occurs as a weed in buckwheat fields and orchards. Ziziphus subquinquenervia has been resurrected from the allied Z. elegans Wall. of peninsular Malaysia and Singapore owing to the distinct diagnostic characters. Their description, phenology, habitat, and other field observations have been highlighted here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]