National Science Centre Guwahati inaugurated a new Orchid and Cactus Garden during the celebration of International Museum Day 2026.

Key Highlights

• The programme was organized under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World”.
• The initiative highlighted the role of museums in Scientific awareness, Cultural exchange, Environmental education & Community engagement.

About the Orchid and Cactus Garden

• The garden showcases:
  • Indigenous orchid species of Northeast India.
  • Exotic orchid varieties.
  • Drought-resistant cactus species.
• The facility was described as a “living museum” by Ashiho A Mao.

Orchids of Assam 

• • Assam is one of India’s richest orchid diversity regions.
  • Around 182 orchid species are reported from Assam.
  • These represent:
    • Nearly 44.39% of orchid species are found in Northeast India.
    • About 24.42% of orchid species are found in India.

• Important Orchid Species of Assam

• • Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail Orchid/Kopou Phul).
  • Dendrobium species.
  • Paphiopedilum bellatulum.
  • Arundina graminifolia.
  • Aerides odorata.
  • Dendrobium moschatum.
  • Pholidota imbricata.

Kopou Phul (Rhynchostylis retusa)

• It is the State Flower of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is popularly known as Kopou Phul in Assam.
• It natively grows and thrives in moist and dry deciduous forests.
• It is native to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India.
• It is culturally associated with the Rongali Bihu festival and Traditional Assamese weddings.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

The National Council of Science Museums functions under which ministry?
(a) Ministry of Education
(b) Ministry of Science and Technology
(c) Ministry of Culture
(d) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Answer: (c)

One-Line Wrap

The Orchid and Cactus Garden at National Science Centre Guwahati reflects how science museums can combine biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, and public engagement to strengthen environmental awareness among citizens.