Which of the following statements regarding the newly discovered orchid Gastrodia lohitensis is/are correct? 1. It is an autotrophic plant that thrives in the dense, sunlit upper canopies of tropical rainforests. 2. It has been preliminarily classified as Endangered under IUCN criteria due to threats from local bamboo harvesting.

Question

Accepted Answer

B. 2 only — Statement 1 is incorrect because Gastrodia lohitensis is a mycotrophic, leafless orchid that lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on fungi in shaded bamboo leaf litter, not sunlight. Statement 2 is correct as its highly restricted habitat near Tezu makes it vulnerable to bamboo extraction, leading to its Endangered classification.