I am Smita Raskar M.Sc. (Botany) B.Ed.
This site is result of my hardwork for more than 10 years.
I have been in love with wild orchids since I was a kid when I found gorgeous largest most fragrant Pecteilis gigantea ( I always call My Darling Beauty to this orchid); As I belong beautiful town called Sawantwadi while walking to school, pinky pink Rhynchostylis retusa, Aerides maculosa like epiphytes hanging everywhere on tall tree on the way to my school used to attracted me & made me curious to know more about them so obviously I have become Botanist but unfortunately could not Researcher Taxonomist due to some reasons.

Even if I was working in Higher secondary school, I used to travel upto 200km a day on my Honda Dio scooty for orchid exploration after school time & during holidays, never bothered by heavy rain or scorching sun, as orchid exploration was always my passion
I remember have followed Dendrobium nodosum for four years in vegetative condition, unable to see flowers despite visiting in different season & then on one fine day in July, I saw buds. I followed plant every day for a week, although site was 120km from my home & then I found flowers, I was so so happy; Orchid exploration has always given me priceless happiness & never felt tired or exhausted from travelling & following plants.

 

If health allows, my next venture is to find out pollinators for different orchid species.

In absence of proper tools & equipments it was challenging for me to dissect minute flower like Cheirostylis, Peristylus & Bulbophyllum etc. but I guess, I have done good job.

 
This site is not developed just for publicity, but I want local people to know about diversity of orchids in our region, threats posed to these sensitive plants & to value our treasure & work towards conservation because I have seen diminishing number of plants from natural population.
 

Mobile Number: 09422379568

Mail: smitsorchid@gmail.com