| dc.description.abstract | The Orchidaceae is one of the largest and most diverse families
of the flowering plants, including 20,000 to 25,000 species
distributed allover the world.
The work presented here is the study of the taxonomy and
ecology of the orchid Flora of the Ngong Hills. The hills
lie on the edge of the Rift Valley, about 20 kilometers
South West of Nairobi and they have been identified as an
endangered ecosystem.
The present study reveals that of the expected 21 species
in 13 genera, only 17 species in 11 genera were recorded
including 4 new records for the area. Keys for the determination
of these species and a detailed morphological account of
each genus and species is prepared. ' The ecological association
of the orchid flora of the area is also discussed.
Results also indicate that there has been extensive deforestation
in the- area. Possible solutions and recommendations
regarding its rehabilitation are suggested.
The accumulated results have illustrated that orchids are
extremely specialized environmentally and sensitive to slight
variation, making them potential 'markers' for vegetation
analysis. | en |
