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B I O D I V E R S I T A S
ISSN: 1412-033X
Volume 21, Number 9, September 2020 E-ISSN: 2085-4722
Pages: 4457-4465 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d210964
The diversity of wild orchids in the southern slope of Mount Merapi,
Yogyakarta, Indonesia eight years after the 2010 eruption
FEBRI YUDA KURNIAWAN1,2,♥, FAUZANA PUTRI2,3, AHMAD SUYOKO2,3, HIMAWAN MASYHURI2,3,
MAYA PURQI SULISTIANINGRUM2,3, ENDANG SEMIARTI3,♥♥
1Postgraduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Jl. Teknika Utara, Sleman 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Tel./fax. +62-274-544975, email: febriyuda14@gmail.com
2Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC), Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Jl. Teknika Selatan, Sekip Utara, Sleman 55281, Yogyakarta,
Indonesia
3Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Jl. Teknika Selatan, Sekip Utara, Sleman 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Tel./fax.: +62-274-580839, email: endsemi@ugm.ac.id
Manuscript received: 21 August 2020. Revision accepted: 31 August 2020.
Abstract. Kurniawan FY, Putri F, Suyoko A, Masyhuri H, Sulistianingrum MP, Semiarti E. 2020. The diversity of wild orchids in the
southern slope of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia eight years after the 2010 eruption. Biodiversitas 21: 4457-4465. The
ecosystem of the slopes of Mount Merapi is mountain tropical forest which is frequently affected by volcanic activities. The dynamics of
the volcano affect the diversity and abundance of orchids in the ecosystem. Tritis is an area included in the Turgo Hill of the southern
slope of Mount Merapi and is under the management of Mount Merapi National Park. The ecosystem in Tritis area classified as lower
mountain forest and it has been affected by Mount Merapi eruption. This study aimed to do an inventory of orchid species in Tritis to
know the diversity and abundance of orchids that exist in this area. In particular, we were interested to investigate the diversity after the
2010 eruption. The sampling was done using plot method by establishing four observation plots with size of each plot was 500 m x 20
m. The orchids found were identified using literature and we calculated the density, frequency, relative density, relative frequency and
important value index. This study found 24 species of orchids, consisting of 15 species of epiphytic orchids, 6 terrestrial species, 2
holomycotropic species and 1 semiterrestrial species. There were 6 species of orchids with the highest density and 2 species with the
highest frequency value. Thrixspermum sp. and Mycaranthes oblitterata were the most dominant species in Tritis based on important
value index. Overall, the diversity of orchids in Tritis can be categorized as high, likely because Tritis environment supports the growth
of epiphytic orchids, but it is less favorable for the growth of terrestrial, holomycotropic and semiterrestrial orchids. The results of this
study can serve as baseline information to monitor the dynamics of orchid diversity and abundance in relation to the highly volcanic
activities of Mount Merapi.
Keywords: Diversity, inventory, Mount Merapi, Orchidaceae, Tritis
INTRODUCTION
Orchidaceae is a family of flowering plants
(spermatophyte) with a large number of species and
varieties. Around 25,000-35,000 orchid species have been
described and a fifth of them have original distribution in
Indonesia (Schuttleworth et al. 1970; Sutiyoso and
Sarwono 2006). Indonesia is a tropical country with a great
diversity of orchids, reaching 5000 species, but only around
1500 species have been identified (Semiarti 2012). There
are 731 species of orchids distributed in Java Island in
which 295 species are in Central Java, 390 are in East Java,
and the most numerous are in West Java. From 731 species
of total orchid species in Java are spread evenly in various
regions, and some of them are endemic (Comber 1990).
Orchid diversity in Java Island is affected by altitude as
it causes differences in environmental factors. Java Island
consists of 92% areas with altitude of less than 1000 m asl
(above sea level), 7% between 1000-2000 m asl and 0.7%
more than 2000 m asl (Comber 1990). There are less than
10% of the areas in Java which have altitude of more than
1000 m asl and they are located in mountainous or hilly
regions.
One of the mounts in Java is Mount Merapi. Mount
Merapi is an active volcano with its summit has an altitude
of 2986 m asl. Mount Merapi is located at 7º32'30 "S and
110º26'30" E and administratively located in four districts
and two provinces, namely Yogyakarta (Sleman District)
and Central Java Province (Magelang, Boyolali, and Klaten
Districts) (Kiswiranti and Kirbani 2013). The ecosystem
type in Mount Merapi can be divided into lower mountain
forests (1200-1800 m asl), upper mountain forests (1800-
3000 m asl), and grassland (Rakhmawati 2008).
The ecosystems in Mount Merapi are mostly natural
forests that are often affected by volcanic activities. Based
on historical records, there have been approximately 61
eruptions of Mount Merapi in the mid-1500s to 2000, with
32 eruptions causing lava floods. In 1872 and 2010 there
were the most severe explosive eruptions with the highest
Volcano Explosivity Index (VEI) in the history of Mount
Merapi eruption. Primary hazards due to eruption of Mount
Merapi generally consist of gaseous elements, rock, and
volcanic ash preceded by lava flows. This volcanic
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21 (9): 4457-4465, September 2020
4458
eruption is always followed by pyroclastic flows activity
which is destructive to buildings and forests around the
slopes (Marfai et al. 2012). The destructive eruption affects
vegetation succession on the mountain slopes. This
succession process will result in the process of adaptation
of vegetation to conditions of resistance to high
temperatures or fire (Sodhi and Ehrlich 2010).
To conserve the diversity of ecosystems, plants, and
animals in Mount Merapi, a national park has been
established in the area and named as Mount Merapi
National Park (MMNP). It was formed through Minister of
Forestry Decree number 134/Menhut-II/2004 in May 4,
2004 with the aim of protecting water sources, rivers, and
supporting life systems of districts/cities in the areas of
Sleman, Yogyakarta, Klaten, Boyolali, and Magelang. The
park is located at altitude of 600-2,968 m asl with total area
is 6,410 ha (Rakhmawati 2008). There are Turgo and
Plawangan Hills in Mount Merapi slopes which are the part
of Kaliurang tourist area.
There are approximately 54 orchid species found in
Mount Merapi National Park (Susantyo 2011). Vanda
tricolor was recorded as a native orchid species from
Mount Merapi, especially for species Vanda tricolor Lindl.
var. suavis forma Merapi (Dwiyani et al. 2012;
Kusumastianto et al. 2015; Semiarti and Rozikin 2015).
There are also orchid species from Dendrobium genera
found in this area. Dendrobium mutabile is an endemic
species found in this area (Rakhmawati 2008). The
dynamic of volcanic activities in Mount Merapi affects
orchid diversity in this region, especially the epiphytic
orchids which are more resistant. In 2010 there was a huge
eruption of Mount Merapi which affected the condition of
vegetation and habitat on the southern slope. Before the
eruption in 2010, there were 90 species of orchids
identified in this area. After the eruption, a decline in the
number of species can be found in this area, which was
only about 51 species found (Sulistyono 2011). Another
study in Cangkringan area showed that before the 2010
eruption, there were 23 species of orchids found in the area
with 19 species of epiphytic orchids and 4 terrestrial orchid
species (Susila et al. 2011).
Tritis is an area included in Turgo Hill and Mount
Merapi National Park. The ecosystem type in Tritis is
classified as lower mountain forest that has also been
affected by Mount Merapi eruption. Based on literature
studies that have been conducted, there is no literature that
reveals the diversity of wild orchids specifically only in
Tritis after 2010 eruption. This study aimed to do an
inventory of orchid species in Tritis to know the diversity
and abundance of orchids that exist in this area. We
expected the results of this study can serve as baseline
information to monitor the dynamics of orchid diversity
and abundance in relation to the highly volcanic activities
of Mount Merapi so that it can be developed appropriate
management efforts for the conservation and preservation
of natural orchid species in Tritis as part of Mount Merapi
National Park.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area and period
This study was conducted in forest around Tritis area
which is located in the Turgo Hill, Southern Slope of
Mount Merapi, Purwobinagun, Pakem Sub-district, Sleman
District, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia at the
coordinates of 7°35'11.0 "S, 110°24'59.0" E (Figure 1). The
research area was estimated to be 40,000 m2. The sampling
was carried out in March 2018 until October 2019. The
density of trees canopy in the research site was between 60-
95%.
Figure 1. Map of research location in Tritis, Turgo Hill, Purwobinangun, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (https://earth.google.com)
KURNIAWAN et al. – Wild orchids diversity in Tritis, Mount Merapi, Indonesia
4459
Table 1. The environmental variables at four plots in research site in Tritis, Sleman District, Yogyakarta
Variable
Plot
1
2
3
4
Altitude (m asl)
983-1004
1025-1064
1067-1111
1043-1116
Relative humidity (%)
87
65-89
71-79
71
Air temperature (ºC)
24.4
22-23.6
22.3-24.3
24.3-24.8
Light intensity (lux)
107-204
135-148
303-567
374-1576
Procedures
Survey and data sampling
The sampling was done using plot method. Four
imaginary plots of 500 m x 20 m each was established
randomly by selecting points along the exploration tracks
in the location. Data was collected in the form of number
and species name of wild orchids that exist in each
predetermined plot. In addition, orchid photo was taken for
documentation and environmental variables were measured
at each plot. The environmental variables measured
included altitude, relative humidity, air temperature, and
light intensity (Table 1).
Species identification
Orchid samples found in the four plots were identified
by matching the collection sample with orchid flora
literature, such as Orchids of Java (Comber 1990), Orchids
of Sumatra (Comber 2001), Merapi Orchid Identification
Handbook (Sulistyono 2011), and a paper from previous
study (Susila et al. 2011). Subfamily determination referred
to subfamily according to Chase et al. (2015). Observations
on the flower morphology or specific vegetative organs in
several orchids were carried out to identify the species
levels. Samples with the flowering were absent can only be
identified to genus level. Valid names were given based on
the current updates in Plant List 1.1 (2020)
(www.theplantlist.org).
Data analysis
Data were analyzed descriptively. The following
parameters were calculated and analyzed for each species:
density (D); frequency (F); relative density (RD); relative
frequency (RF) and importance value index (IVI). The
formula for those parameters followed Musavi (2015) as
below:
IVI = RD + RF
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This study recorded 24 species of natural orchid species
in Tritis, the southern slope of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta
(Table 2). Following Chase et al. (2015), 22 species or
91.67% belong to the subfamily Epidendroideae, one
species belong to the Vanilloideae subfamily, and one
species from the Orchidoideae subfamily. Based on the
type of life form, 15 species (62.5%) were epiphytic, 6
species (25%) were terrestrial; 2 species (8.3%) were
holomycotropic and 1 species (4.2%) was semiterrestrial.
These results are consistent with Merckx (2013) which
states that the Orchidaceae family consists of 80%
Epidendroideae subfamily, with most of its members being
the type of epiphytic orchids. Bulbophyllum flavescens and
Dendrobium mutabile were species that can be found at all
four plots.
Epiphytic orchid is orchid that grows attached to a
substrate, which is generally in the form of tree stem, tree
branch, and other. The advantage of this life form is the
availability of optimal light intensity compared to
terrestrial orchid, which grows on the forest floor which
only gets 1-2% of the light from canopy. The disadvantage
is limited contact to soil, sometime causing problems with
water supply and anchorage (Gegenbauer et al. 2013). The
result of the inventory in this study shows that there were
15 species of epiphytic orchids, namely Acriopsis liliifolia
which is characterized by ovoid pseudobulb, so it is often
referred to as onion orchids like and it has purplish-red
flowers (Figure 2.A). Appendicula sp. is characterized by
slender cylindrical pseudobulb and lanceolate leaves with
split ends. Bulbophyllum flavescens is characterized by
pseudobulbs which are round and have stolons (Figure
2.B). Bryobium retusum is characterized by its very small
size compared to other orchids, oval-shaped pseudobulb,
and yellow flowers (Figure 2.C). Coelogyne speciosa is
characterized by yellowish-green sepals and petals, and the
labellum is predominantly brown with a white tip (Figure
2.D). Dendrobium crumenatum is called a pigeon orchid
because the flower has shape like a white pigeon with a
yellow callus on the labellum (Figure 2.E). Dendrobium
mutabile is characterized by long, curved pseudobulb (zig-
zag), white-pink flowers (Figure 2.F). Dendrobium
sagittatum is characterized by flat pseudobulb and white-
pink flowers (Figure 2.G). Dendrobium sp. has a brown
pseudobulb with node and internode. Mycaranthes latifolia
is characterized by lanceolate leaves with pointed tips.
Mycaranthes oblitterata is characterized by cylindrical
pseudobulb with green-brown oval-shaped fruit (Figure
2H). Oberonia similis is characterized by flat pseudobulb
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4460
and yellow flowers (Figure 2.I). Pholidota carnea is
characterized by oval-shaped pseudobulbs and pale brown-
orange flowers. Schoenorchis juncifolia is characterized by
cylindrical pseudobulb, teret (pencil-like) leaves, and
white-purple flowers (Figure 2.J). Thrixspermum sp. is
characterized by green cylindrical pseudobulb, lanceolate
leaves with split ends.
Epiphytic orchids usually grow on branches along with
ferns (Pteridophyte), such as Asplenium nidus, and also
species of moss (Bryophyte) (Setiaji et al. 2018). The same
thing was also found in our study in Tritis in which
epiphytic orchids found were associated with mosses
(Bryophyte), such as Fissidens sp., Thuidium sp., Bryum
sp., Campylopus sp., etc.. In addition, Nephrolepis sp.
which is classified as Pteridophyte was also found.
Bryophyte has the ability to save or maintain water supply
and humidity (Goetz and Price 2015; Oishi 2018).
Epiphytic orchids, which have limitations in water supply,
can grow well and have a high diversity in Tritis is likely
because of its association with moss plants that provide
water supply and maintain micro humidity of orchid
habitat. The abundance of mosses can also be used as an
indicator of air humidity of a habitat (Karger et al. 2012)
and air quality (Smith 1982).
Apart from associations with other plants to help
maintain water availability, epiphytic orchids are also
characterized by pseudobulb stems and succulent leaves to
store water (Zhang et al. 2018). Epiphytic orchids in Tritis
grew up in groups on each tree because all epiphytic
orchids found have a sympodial stem growth type.
Sympodial means the growth is dominated by axillary buds
into horizontally or sideways, so that clumps or units are
seen (Gegenbauer et al. 2013). In addition, orchids have
millions of seeds, so orchid seedling can be found in very
large numbers on branches of the tree. This phenomenon
was found in very large numbers in one tree, but sometimes
not found in other trees. The epiphytic orchid distribution
pattern is classified as a clumped distribution pattern
(Odum 1998).
Terrestrial orchids are orchids that grow on soil
substrates and generally have special structures, such as
rhizomes or tubers that are found below the soil
(Gegenbauer et al. 2013). Terrestrial orchids mainly get
nutrients from soil, while epiphytic orchids get from air,
solid substrate, wet or dry deposition, and nitrogen from
microorganisms (Zhang et al. 2018). There were six species
of terrestrial orchids found in the study site in Tritis,
namely Anoectochilus reinwardtii which is often referred
to as jewel orchids because of the beauty on their leaves.
The leaves are dark green-black with a venation pattern
characteristic that is orange-red bright (Figure 3.A).
Crepidium kobi is characterized by raceme flower
inflorescence type, purple in color and not undergoing
resupination (Figure 3.B-C). Dienia ophrydis is
characterized by raceme flower inflorescence type, green-
purple flower (3.D-E). If it is only seen from vegetative
organs, it is difficult to distinguish between Crepidium kobi
and Dienia ophrydis because of the similarity of the
vegetative organs characteristics such as leaves and stems.
Phaius sp. is characterized by the presence of bulbs and
lanceolate type leaves with pointed tips. Tainia paucifolia
has a unique character in the form of pseudobulb which is
generally owned by epiphytic orchids, but in this orchid,
we can find stem that is classified as oval-shaped
pseudobulb. A pseudobulb will support a leaf stalk and
lanceolate leaf (Figure 3.H). Zeuxine odorata is
characterized by cylindrical stems and elliptical leaves with
a white pattern on the center of the leaf and green on the
edge (Figure 3.J).
Figure 2. Epiphytic wild orchids species found in the study site in Tritis, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A. Acriopsis liliifolia, B.
Bulbophyllum flavescens, C. Bryobrium retusum, D. Coelogyne speciosa, E. Dendrobium crumenatum, F. Dendrobium mutabile, G.
Dendrobium sagittatum, H. Mycaranthes oblitterata, I. Oberonia similis, and J. Schoenorchis juncifolia
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
KURNIAWAN et al. – Wild orchids diversity in Tritis, Mount Merapi, Indonesia
4461
Table 2. Natural orchid species at four plots in research site in Tritis, Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Subfamily
Species
Life form
Locations (Plot)
1
2
3
4
Epidendroideae
Acriopsis liliifolia (J.Koenig) Seidenf.
Ep
+
-
-
-
Epidendroideae
Anoectochilus reinwardtii Blume
Tr
-
-
+
-
Epidendroideae
Appendicula sp.
Ep
-
-
+
-
Epidendroideae
Bryobrium retusum (Blume) Y.P.Ng & P.J.Cribb
Ep
+
+
-
-
Epidendroideae
Bulbophyllum flavescens (Blume) Lindl.
Ep
+
+
+
+
Epidendroideae
Coelogyne speciosa (Blume) Lindl.
Ep
-
-
+
+
Epidendroideae
Crepidium kobi (J.J.Sm.) M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones
Tr
-
+
-
-
Epidendroideae
Dendrobium crumenatum Sw.
Ep
+
+
+
-
Epidendroideae
Dendrobium mutabile (Blume) Lindl.
Ep
+
+
+
+
Epidendroideae
Dendrobium sagittatum J.J.Sm.
Ep
+
+
+
-
Epidendroideae
Dendrobium sp.
Ep
+
+
+
-
Epidendroideae
Dienia ophrydis (J.Koenig) Seidenf.
Tr
+
-
-
+
Epidendroideae
Epipogium roseum (D.Don) Lindl.
Hm
-
+
-
-
Epidendroideae
Gastrodia sp.
Hm
-
-
-
+
Epidendroideae
Mycaranthes latifolia Blume
Ep
-
+
-
-
Epidendroideae
Mycaranthes oblitterata Blume
Ep
+
+
+
-
Epidendroideae
Oberonia similis (Blume) Lindl.
Ep
-
-
-
+
Epidendroideae
Phaius sp.
Tr
-
-
-
+
Epidendroideae
Pholidota carnea (Blume) Lindl.
Ep
+
+
-
-
Epidendroideae
Schoenorchis juncifolia Reinw. ex Blume
Ep
-
-
-
+
Epidendroideae
Tainia paucifolia (Breda) J.J.Sm.
Tr
-
+
+
-
Epidendroideae
Thrixspermum sp.
Ep
-
+
+
-
Vanilloideae
Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews
St
+
-
-
-
Orchidoideae
Zeuxine odorata Fukuy.
Tr
-
+
-
-
Note: Ep: Epiphytic; Tr: Terrestrial; Hm: Holomycotropic; St: Semiterrestrial; +: present; and-: absent
Table 3. The density, frequency, relative density, relative frequency and important value index of natural orchid’s species in Tritis,
Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Species
D
F
RD
RF
IVI
Acriopsis liliifolia
3
0.25
0.216
2.273
2.489
Anoectochilus reinwardtii
1
0.25
0.072
2.273
2.345
Appendicula sp.
20
0.25
1.443
2.273
3.716
Bryobrium retusum
28
0.5
2.020
4.546
6.566
Bulbophyllum flavescens
150
1
10.823
9.091
19.913
Coelogyne speciosa
214
0.5
15.440
4.546
19.986
Crepidium kobi
2
0.25
0.144
2.273
2.417
Dendrobium crumenatum
4
0.75
0.289
6.818
7.107
Dendrobium mutabile
125
1
9.019
9.091
18.110
Dendrobium sagittatum
155
0.75
11.183
6.818
18.001
Dendrobium sp.
14
0.75
1.010
6.818
7.828
Dienia ophrydis
5
0.5
0.361
4.546
4.906
Epipogium roseum
2
0.25
0.144
2.273
2.417
Gastrodia sp.
4
0.25
0.289
2.273
2.561
Mycaranthes latifolia
6
0.25
0.433
2.273
2.706
Mycaranthes oblitterata
262
0.75
18.903
6.818
25.722
Oberonia similis
3
0.25
0.217
2.273
2.489
Phaius sp.
1
0.25
0.072
2.273
2.345
Pholidota carnea
63
0.5
4.545
4.546
9.091
Schoenorchis juncifolia
2
0.25
0.144
2.273
2.417
Tainia paucifolia
19
0.5
1.371
4.546
5.916
Thrixspermum sp.
290
0.5
20.924
4.546
25.469
Vanilla planifolia
2
0.25
0.144
2.273
2.417
Zeuxine odorata
11
0.25
0.794
2.273
3.066
Note: D: Density; F: Frequency; RD: Relative density; RF: Relative frequency; and IVI: Important value index
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Figure 3. Terrestrial, holomycotropic, and semiterrestrial natural orchids species in the study site in Tritis, Sleman District, Yogyakarta,
Indonesia. A. Anoectochilus reinwardtii, B-C. Crepidium kobi, D-E. Dienia ophrydis, F. Epipogium roseum, G. Gastrodia sp., H Tainia
paucifolia, I. Vanilla planifolia, and J. Zeuxine odorata
Figure 4. Important value index (IVI) of wild orchid species in Tritis, Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Holomycotropic orchids are orchids that can be
classified as terrestrial orchids, but these orchids have pale
yellow leaves or brown scales along the stem. As such, the
ability of photosynthesis in this orchid is reduced. To
obtain nutrients, Holomycotropic orchids associate with
fungus. These orchids will use the fungus mycelium to take
nutrients from the host tree or litter, so these orchids are
sometimes referred to as parasite orchids (Gegenbauer et
al. 2013). It is also included in saprophyte plants due to
loss of function to absorb CO2 and organic substances from
the substrate (Suryowinoto 1987). There were two species
of holomycotropic orchids found in Tritis namely
Epipogium roseum which is often referred to pocong
orchid, because of its white flower character (Figure 3F).
This orchid has a rhizome stem with scales. Second is
Gastrodia sp. which is referred to ghost orchids or also
referred to as bamboo orchids (Figure 3G). Gastrodia sp.
from Mount Merapi was once proposed as a novel species
by Metusala and Supriatna (2017), because based on
morphological characters it has similarities with Gastrodia
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
KURNIAWAN et al. – Wild orchids diversity in Tritis, Mount Merapi, Indonesia
4463
abscondita J.J.Sm, but there are some differences between
them. Flowers in Gastrodia sp. from Mount Merapi is
larger and dark brown in color, longer perianth tubes,
ovate-shaped petals, longer oblong-lanceolate labellum
shaped, differences in the shape of the keels on lip, and
difference in the shape of column. Based on these
differences Metusala and Supriatna (2017) gave the name
Gastrodia bambu, because the substrate grows specifically
on bamboo leaf litter and is often found growing in bamboo
forest habitats. Both of these holomycotropic orchids have
local names that are related to the name of the ghost,
because holomycotropic orchids are rarely or never
encountered in the dry season because they are in
dormancy. When the rainy season arrives, these orchids
will suddenly be seen on the ground. This sudden process
of emergence and departure, due to orchids is only seen
when the flowering phase, while when the vegetative phase
is only rhizome in the soil, or referred to one of the
geophyte plant characters. Geophyte plants also have
bulbous, tuberous, or rhizomes (Proches et al. 2006;
Korkmaz and Ilhan 2015; Howard et al. 2019).
Semiterrestrial orchids are orchids that have two types
of roots, namely terrestrial roots that anchoring stems into
the soil and have function like common roots to absorb
water and minerals from the soil. In addition, there are
dorsiventral roots that serve to attach stem to the tree, so
that this orchid can maximize sunlight gain. There is one
species found in Tritis, namely Vanilla planifolia. This
orchid is characterized by cylindrical stems, yellowish-
green flowers, oval-shaped fruit (Figure 3I). This fruit is
commonly used as an ingredient to add vanilla scents for
food.
According to a study by Susila et al. (2011) which was
conducted before the 2010 eruption, there were 19 species
of epiphytic orchids found in Turgo, but in this research,
we can only found 15 species of epiphytic orchids in Tritis.
Epiphytic orchid species that recorded by Susila et al.
(2011) but not found in this study were Acriopsis javanica,
Appendicula reflexa, Cymbidium bicolor, Flickingeria sp.,
Eria sp., Gastrochillus sororius, Liparis condylobulbon,
Liparis latifolia, and Thrixspermum anceps. Epiphytic
orchids recorded by this study but not found by Susila et al.
(2011) namely Acriopsis liliifolia, Appendicula sp.,
Oberonia similis, Mycaranthes latifolia, Mycaranthes
oblitterata, Schoenorchis juncifolia, and Thrixspermum sp.
Three terrestrial orchid species found by Susila et al.
(2011) but not recorded in this study namely Arundina
graminifolia, Malaxis sp. and Habenaria sp. One
holomycotropic orchid, Epipogium roseum was found by
Susila et al. (2011) and was also found in this study in
Tritis. In addition to the wild orchid species found in Tritis,
several surveys of orchid species were deliberately planted
as an in situ conservation effort in the National Park of
Mount Merapi. Some orchid species were planted not only
from the Yogyakarta area, but some are from outside
Yogyakarta. Some orchids planted were Vanda tricolor
var. suavis, Coelogyne sp., and others. Apart from aiming
at in situ conservation of natural orchids, natural orchids
from the genera of Dendrobium and Vanda actually contain
secondary metabolites that have potential as drugs in the
field of pharmacology (Semiarti et al. 2020).
Based on the calculation, there are seven species of
orchids in Tritis that have high-density values, namely
Thrixspermum sp., Mycaranthes oblitterata, Coelogyne
speciosa, Dendrobium sagittatum, Bulbophyllum
flavescens, Dendrobium mutabile, and Pholidota carnea
(Table 3). Based on the density value, all epiphytic orchids
are classified as having higher density values than
terrestrial, holomycotropic and semiterrestrial orchids.
Based on the frequency values, Bulbophyllum flavescens
and Dendrobium mutabile have the highest values, because
they were found in all plots (Table 3). Based on the
calculation of the importance value index, there are two
species of orchids that have the highest importance value,
Thrixspermum sp. and M. oblitterata (Figure 4). Both have
the highest important value index because of their high
relative density values. Nonetheless, Thrixspermum sp. has
a higher relative density than M. oblitterata, while M.
oblitterata has a higher relative frequency compared to
Thrixspermum sp.. Both Thrixspermum sp. and M.
oblitterata have the highest abundance of orchid species in
Tritis area.
One of the environmental factors that influence the
growth of orchids in Tritis is altitude. The altitude from the
plot one to plot four is increasing, ranging from 983-1116
m asl. Altitude factor affects other environmental variables,
such as temperature, light intensity, and humidity.
Environmental parameters associated with altitude will
affect orchid composition in a region and distribution of
orchid breeding system (Jacquemyn et al. 2005). One of the
factors that influence photosynthesis is temperature, in
which the rate of photosynthesis will increase as the
temperature rises to a certain limit (Ribeiro et al. 2006).
Temperature between 20-37ºC is the optimal temperature
for photosynthesis in orchids (Pratiwi 2010). According to
Soetopo and Saputra (2019), 22-29ºC is the optimal range
temperature for epiphytic orchid growth. The temperature
range at the four plots in Tritis was around 22-24.8ºC,
which is still relatively optimal, but at a lower limit.
Besides temperature, light is also a major factor influencing
photosynthesis and process of growth and metabolism in
orchids (Omon et al. 2007). Low light intensity can be
caused by the presence of tree canopy (Thery 2001; Ardie
2006). The canopy cover in Tritis was quite high at 60-
95%, so the light intensity measured at the four plots was
relatively low at 107-1576 lux. Humidity is one of the main
factors that affect growth. According to Fitch et al. (1997),
the optimal relative humidity for orchid growth is in the
range of 40-70%. Based on the measurement results at the
four plots, relative humidity ranged between 65-89%,
which is classified as very high.
Based on these results, the habitat and trees in Tritis are
suitable environments for epiphytic orchid to grow,
indicated by the presence of mosses associated with orchids
to create optimal microclimates for epiphytic orchids. In
addition, the position of epiphytic orchids on the tree
makes epiphytic orchids have several advantages, namely
the acquisition of optimal light intensity which results in
higher air temperatures compared to orchids on the forest
B I O D I V E R S I T A S
21 (9): 4457-4465, September 2020
4464
floor. Water does not settle on the tree, so the humidity is
not classified as very high. In terrestrial, holomycotropic
and semiterrestrial orchids have a small density, because
Tritis forest floor environment is less supportive for the
growth of these orchids. The main factor that influences is
the shade of the canopy which is very unfavorable for these
orchids. Due to the large shade, the intensity of the light
received is less than optimal. Shading affects temperature
and humidity also. It can cause stress in plant, because it
blocks a high amount of light and affects understory
vegetation to grow (Valladares et al. 2016). The forest floor
in Tritis captures a lot of water when it rains which causes
humidity to increase and air temperature to decrease. Based
on the unique location in Tritis, the diversity of orchids in
its area is relatively high, but it is less advantageous for the
growth of terrestrial, holomycotropic, and semiterrestrial
orchids.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors would like to express our gratitude to Mount
Merapi National Park that gave permission to conduct
orchids inventory in Tritis and field training event of the
Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) in 2018-2019. We
also thank the members of the Biology Orchid Study Club
(BiOSC) that has provided support and help in this
research.
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