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Current Affairs-Topics
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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