Gastrodia indica: New Orchid Species Discovered in Sikkim

Gastrodia indica, the first known cleistogamous orchid in India, was discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim. It is self-pollinating, holomycotrophic, and grows in dense leaf litter.

Discovery of Gastrodia indica

Gastrodia Indica found in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim, India
Discovered by botanist Madhusudan Khanal
Located at an elevation of 1,950–2,100 metres above sea level
First known cleistogamous orchid in India
Brings the total number of Gastrodia species in India to ten

Unique Characteristics of Gastrodia indica

Cleistogamous: Flowers never open
Self-pollinating
Holomycotrophic: Relies on fungal hosts for nutrients
Lacks chlorophyll
Grows in dense, rotten leaf litter
Associated with trees like Magnolia doltsopa and Acer campbelli
Only five completely cleistogamous species documented worldwide

Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary

Key site for wildlife and flora conservation
Home to Himalayan black bear, red panda, and rare birds
Views of Khangchendzonga range visible from buffer area
Covers 51.76 square kilometers
Established in 2001
Part of the Khangchendzonga biosphere reserve
Houses over 118 bird species and numerous orchids
Crucial for local water supply
Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 3,000 meters

Sikkim's Orchid Diversity

Home to more than 500 different orchid species
Dendrobium nobile is the state flower of Sikkim
Coelogyne cristata: Large frilled white blooms with golden yellow throat
Pleione species: Grow terrestrially and in thick moss on trunks and rocks
Paphiopedilum fairrieanum: Critically endangered slipper orchid

Historical Context of Orchid Research in Sikkim

George King and Robert Pantling published "The Orchids of the Sikkim-Himalayas" in 1898
Documented 449 species with descriptions, altitudes, and flowering times
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, Kew's second director, explored Sikkim and discovered many plant species
John Lindley, the "Father of Orchid Taxonomy," described many Sikkimese orchid species
Kew Gardens holds significant orchid collections and research materials

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