Emerging trends and insights into the cultivation strategies, ethnomedicinal uses, and socio-economic attributes of orchids

ABSTRACT One of the most exotic and ubiquitous plant species, the cultivation of orchids continues to gain momentum worldwide. The growing popularity of orchids and their cultivation worldwide is attributed to substantial progress in approaches like classical breeding, plant tissue culture and biotechnological interventions. In addition to ornamental value, orchids are extensively studied for their pharmacological properties and are widely used as food supplements, flavours, and medicine in different regions of the world. The unprecedented advances in whole-genome sequencing and omics technologies have significantly improved our knowledge of orchid biology, leading to translational success in the production of exotic varieties. With the emerging investigations into the cultivation and global trade popularity of orchids in the present era, this thematic article provides comprehensive insights into the existing and emerging trends in orchid cultivation, diverse ethnomedicinal uses, and multi-faceted applications, and the need for the legalisation of orchids for conservation and trade in the present era. In this way, advances in breeding and molecular approaches aim to significantly improve orchid cultivation and its socio-economic attributes. However, a detailed understanding of challenges in orchid conservation and implementation of domestic/global legislative guidelines are necessary for the protection of endangered species and their legalised trade across the globe.