UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 36: Environment and Ecology
Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) :
- 1.It is an epiphytic orchid.
- 2.The species is endemic to North-east India.
- 3.It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Rhynchostylis retusa, the Foxtail orchid, is an epiphytic orchid, growing on tree trunks and branches, with long drooping spikes of fragrant flowers. It is the State flower of Assam (known as Kopou Phul) and Arunachal Pradesh. It is not endemic to the North-east: it grows across the Indian subcontinent and South-east Asia, so statement 2 is wrong.
- 1. It grows on trees as an epiphyte.
- 2. It is widespread across South and South-east Asia.
- 3. It is the State flower of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (c) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: It grows on trees as an epiphyte.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: It is the State flower of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statement 2.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incomplete: statement 3 is also correct.
- (b) Right: epiphytic, and the State flower of both States.
- (c) Wrong: it is not endemic to the North-east.
- (d) Incomplete: statement 1 is also correct.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.