The present study examines the seed and embryo morphometry of eight orchid taxa occurring across diverse ecological habitats of
Andhra Pradesh, India, so as to understand their adaptive strategies. Significant interspecific variations were observed in seed size and
shape, testa cell dimensions, and embryo volume, indicating ecological specialization amongst terrestrial and epiphytic orchids. Seed
length ranged from 0.0745 mm in Eulophia graminea to 0.6933 mm in Cymbidium aloifolium while seed width varied between 0.0184 mm
and 0.2042 mm. The length-width ratio showed marked diversity, with the highest value (4.82) in Rhynchostylis retusa and the lowest
(2.40) in Oberonia ensiformis reflecting habitat-driven seed shape plasticity. Seed volume varied over 100-fold (0.0000544-0.0062444
mm³), indicating differences in dispersal potential. The testa cell measurements also differed considerably, from 44.63 μm in Vanda
testacea to 243.62 μm in R. retusa. Embryo length ranged from 0.0653 to 0.2756 mm, with embryo volume spanning 0.000012-0.000300
mm³. Seed-to-embryo volume ratios revealed low embryo occupancy (1.11-20.81%), except in C. aloifolium, indicating high air-space
content in most taxa. Air space ranged from 9.53% to 95.20%, highlighting contrasting dispersal and germination strategies. Overall,
terrestrial species tended to possess smaller seeds with high air space enhancing wind dispersal, whereas epiphytic orchids such as
Acampe ochracea and R. retusa exhibited larger embryos and thicker testa cells, reflecting adaptation to humid canopy habitats. These
morphometric insights provide essential baseline data for conservation, propagation, and habitat-specific restoration of native orchids.