It was interesting to note that a group of foxes are often referred to as a ‘leash’ or a “skulk” or an ‘earth”.
Seen here is an Explosive blooming of Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail Orchid) called as “Seethe dande” in Kannada (Sita From Ramayana and Dande = Garland because of her expertise in weaving Garlands) named after the long inflorescence of this orchid which can grow upto 2 feet.
The inflorescence is a pendant raceme, consisting of more than 100 pink-spotted white flowers.
This has been declared as the state flower of Assam and Arunachal pradesh.
In Assam, it is popularly known as Kopou Phool, and is an integral part of a Bihu dancer’s attire. Among the youths, this orchid is regarded as symbol of love. This orchid also acts as a symbol of fertility and merriment. The inflorescence is also used in the marriage ceremony of the local people.
Shot in Coorg, July 2025
By Dr.Bishan Monnappa
Heartfelt appreciation to CLN for its continued efforts in creating awareness about our rich flora and fauna, environment and culture. Your dedication to showcasing the natural treasures of our land, not only educates but also inspires readers to value and protect what has been given to us by Mother Nature.
The images of the FOXTAIL ORCHID are exquisite. Dr Bishan’s versatile talent is on display for all the readers – the photographs are outstanding and captures every small nuance of the subject. The vivid beauty and delicate presence of the birds, butterflies, insects, flowers, landscape and everything that Nature has to offer are a reminder of how blessed our land is with biodiversity. It is through such features that we get reminded to reconnect with Nature.
Keep up the wonderful work.
In Kodava Thakk the Foxtail orchid is called “Seethe Pu”. We have one luxuriously growing on the stem of the coconut tree 🌴, which I brought from my coffee estate 35 years ago and tied it to the coconut tree in the picture. It is a parasite, and it blooms every year in April end and the flowers remain till end of May.
Typically, there will be 12-16 fronds in a plant, bunched up together like a bouquet – this year there were my lucky number of 13 tails! After a month the beautiful flowers drop and only the stem remains.
There are two varieties that I have grown or attached the roots on our coconut tree – the bigger size is more robust, but the smaller one is more beautiful and fragrant.
There is a mythological story attached to this plant:
When Rama was sent on exile to the forest for 14 years, Sita and Lakshmana follow him.one day Lakshmana finds this beautiful, rare flower on the branch of a wild tree and offers it to Sita. She had never seen such an exquisite flower in her Royal Garden. Since then, it is being named “Seethe Pu”.
Am really glad to see CLN focus on Coorg’s flora, Fauna, environment, sports – in everything about Kodavas and our culture.
I’m posting a picture of a similar orchid on my farm – we have actually collected a lot of them from across Coorg and beyond.
This video was taken in 2020. Sadly the palm tree has fallen with age – close to Thora.
Speaking to Dr Bishan, he provided an absolutely stunning picture that was used by BNHS to make a greeting card in 2015.
The Foxtail orchid is a delicate plant to grow but not a difficult one. With proper care it can be grown at home.
Set the plant on a tray of gravel, partially filled with water. Water abundantly during the active growth period, making sure the roots dry quickly dry after watering. Water sparingly in winter. Feed every week with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of balanced fertilizer for orchids during the active growth period. In rural areas we use coconut shell cover to hold the plant in place.
This plant is at a farmhouse in Bangalore, grown against the bark/trunk of a Neem tree.
I recently brought this foxtail orchid from my brother’s house in Uttarakhand. These Foxtails are ever so pretty!
A beautifully written piece! It’s amazing how the Foxtail Orchid is both a stunning bloom and a cultural symbol—especially in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The link to Sita and its role in festivals and weddings adds such rich meaning. Loved the blend of nature, tradition, and storytelling!
We too call it Seethe hoovu and I have this orchid at home.