Authors: Prasad Kothareddy, Ravi Kiran Arigela, Bruce DeJong

The aim of the book is to provide a comprehensive guide to the orchids found in Palni Hills, Tamil Nadu, India, documenting their diversity, ecology, and intricate relationships with their environment. We begin with an introduction that touches on the evolutionary and genetic history of orchids and a geological description of the Palni Hills and their diverse ecosystems. A primer of the botanical features of orchids is presented, along with the keys for the identification of species in the field. Next, the authors presented a checklist and analysis of the 95 species from 40 genera found in the study areas. Finally, the authors have meticulously described each species in taxonomic context and provided detailed photographs to aid in identification and appreciation.