Kopou phul (English name: Foxtail Orchid, Scientific name: Rhynchostylis retusa) is an exotic blooming orchid found in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. In India, this is one of the common Orchid species. The plant is erect with six to eight pairs of leaves oneither side of the short stem. The leaves are thick, long and narrow. The flowers, which appear in May- June, last for about three weeks. The 20-inch long inflorescence consists of a cluster of tiny, individual flowers, which is usually white or pink. This flower is considered as the state flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. For the people of Assam, this flower marks the festive season of Rongali.or Bohag Bihu. It is grown in clay pots or baskets with side draining holes or mounted on tree trunks in almost every household of Assam. This Orchid is an integral part of Bihu in Assam. Young girls put it up around their buns or khupa while performing Bihu Dance. Kopou Phul has been mentioned in Assamese folk songs and tales as the symbol of love and merriment and thus considered as a cultural icon in Assam. The Assam Government adopted Kopou phul as State Flower on 4th April, 2003.