Flora of Arunachal Pradesh exhibits an enormous diversity in nature. There are large numbers of timber species, various kinds of orchids, medicinal plants, ferns, bamboos, canes and cultivated plants. Other group of plants are Rhododendrons, Hedychiums and oaks. There are several species of orchids, rhododendron, hedychium, oak, canes, bamboo and medicinal and aromatic plants. The state has many endangered species too. Some rare flora species that occur in Arunachal Pradesh are Amentotazus assamica which is found in Lohit District. Rhododendron is found in Subansiri District.
Orchids form a dominant group of plants in Arunachal Pradesh. Around 600 species of orchids are found in Arunachal Pradesh. They are colourful, spectacular, rare, endangered and ornamental. Some are commercially important too. The prominent species are Cymbidium ansifolium, Dendroblum aphylla, Calanthe masuca, Phaius flavus and many more. Arunachal Pradesh also has an Orchid Research and Development Station at Tipi in West Kameng district for conservation of these species. Itanagar, Tipi, Dirang are the major Orchid centres in the state. The state has great potentials in orchid trade industry that consists of mainly of plant and cut-flowers. Various ornamental orchid plants are sold in markets.
Toko palm trees are found only in the northeast region of India. It grows in lower plains and hill slopes. It is of cultural importance to the people of the state. It is a multipurpose tree that provides utility items like fibre, leaves and fruits. It is found in the tropical evergreen forests and sub-tropical broad leaved forests. It is mainly concentrated in the central and eastern parts of Arunachal Pradesh particularly in Upper Subansiri District, West Siang district and East Siang district.
There are several species of medicinal plants reported in Arunachal Pradesh. They are a potential source of economy to the state. Some of the medicinal plants are very much required by pharmaceutical companies. Cultivating medicinal plants are economical and ecologically safe too. Some of the medicinal plants include Acorus, Aquilaria, Oroxylum and many more to be mentioned.
