Which Indian state is recognised as producing the largest number of orchid species in the country and is sometimes called an orchid paradise?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to the biodiversity and floristic richness of India, with a focus on orchids. Orchids are highly diverse flowering plants that thrive in humid and forested environments. Several states in the northeastern part of India are famous for their orchid diversity, and exam questions often ask which state leads in the number of orchid species.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which state produces or hosts the largest number of orchids in India.
• The options are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Nagaland.
• All these states are in the northeastern or eastern Himalayan region and have rich forest cover.
• Standard references frequently refer to Arunachal Pradesh as particularly rich in orchid species and sometimes call it an orchid paradise.

Concept / Approach:
The northeastern states of India fall within a global biodiversity hotspot and have varied elevations and climates. Among them, Arunachal Pradesh stands out due to its wide altitudinal range from foothills to high mountains and the presence of extensive forest cover, which together support a large variety of orchids. Botanical surveys and state level promotional material often highlight that Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of orchid species recorded in any Indian state. Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Nagaland are also rich in orchids, but they are typically not described as leading the country in total species count in the same way as Arunachal Pradesh.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the northeastern and eastern Himalayan states mentioned in the options and recall their biodiversity reputation. Step 2: Remember that Arunachal Pradesh is often referred to as an orchid paradise and is said to host a very high number of orchid species. Step 3: Compare this with Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Nagaland, which are also rich but usually described as having fewer orchid species than Arunachal Pradesh in botanical surveys. Step 4: Consider exam oriented guides that explicitly state that Arunachal Pradesh has the largest number of orchid species in India. Step 5: Select Arunachal Pradesh as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Botanical and government sources focused on horticulture and eco tourism in the northeast consistently highlight Arunachal Pradesh high orchid diversity. Some sources quote numbers of recorded species and note that these are higher than in other individual states. Tourism campaigns and state biodiversity reports refer to Arunachal Pradesh as an orchid state or orchid paradise, which aligns with the wording of this question. In contrast, while Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Nagaland feature orchids prominently, they are not usually described as leading in total species count.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Assam has many forested areas and wetlands but is more often associated with tea and wildlife sanctuaries than with the absolute highest orchid diversity. Meghalaya, with its high rainfall and hills, supports many orchids but is not generally cited as the top state. Sikkim is famous for temperate and alpine orchids and has strong conservation efforts, yet its area is smaller and total species count is less than that of Arunachal Pradesh. Nagaland also has rich forest cover and orchids but again is not widely recognised as having the maximum number of species compared with Arunachal Pradesh.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may guess Sikkim or Meghalaya due to familiarity from tourism images that show orchids and cloud forests, or because they recall them as very wet and green. Another pitfall is to assume that Assam, being larger and more well known, must lead in most biodiversity measures. To avoid these pitfalls, pay attention to specific phrases in botanical and exam guides, which often single out Arunachal Pradesh as holding the largest number of orchid species in India.

Final Answer:
Arunachal Pradesh