The anther in Peristylus plantagineus Lindl. was dithecous and tetrasporangiate. Its wall development conforms to the monocotyledonous type. Each archesporial cell developed into a block of sporogenous cells before organising into massulae. The anther was 4-layered. The endothecial cells developed ring like tangential thickening on the inner walls. Tapetal cells were uninucleate and of dual origin. The microspore tetrads were tetrahedral, decussate, linear and T-shaped. Pollen were shed at 2-celled stage.
The present paper discusses the chances of the survival of orchids in the wild, highlighting it for Ecuador, but the same factors would also apply in some degree to all other countries. In almost all of the lectures that were presented as a part of research that was carried out in the last 40 years, the work has been referred to the grim perspective of the survival of orchids and their natural habitats and the need to rescue a few plants of each species ex situ, where they may be multiplied in a laboratory and hopefully distributed, worldwide. There is a strong need to preserve as many pristine forests as possible and rescue as many species to be grown in public and private collections. This must apply for Ecuador, as well as for other hot spots in all other tropical countries where they are all facing the same problems of population growth, acid rain, and climate change.
The present investigation was carried out for the exploration of orchids in Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary of Himachal Pradesh, NorthWestern Himalaya. Sixteen species of orchids representing nine genera were recorded. Amongst the species studied, 10 species were native to the Himalayan region and 2 were near endemic to the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Majority of these orchid species grow between 2501-2800 m. Eight different habitats were identified and majority of the orchid species were reported in shady moist habitat. Most of the species were used for curing various diseases/ailments by the inhabitants of the valley. Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Malaxis muscifera, the high altitude species were identified as Critically Endangered. Due to high commercial values of D. hatagirea and M. muscifera as medicine and food, these species are facing high anthropogenic pressure, leading to their rapid population depletion in the area. Therefore, regular monitoring of populations of orchids in relation to climate scenario has been suggested for understanding the dynamics of species and developing strategies for conservation.
Smithsonia maculata, an epiphytic and endemic orchid of Western Ghats region is vulnerable due to its poor fruit set and seedling establishment in the natural habitats, hence there is an urgent need for its micropropagation, and eco-restoration. Eight month old capsules showed 50% viable seeds and about 70% of these seeds germinated on Mitra et al. (1976, M) medium supplemented with organic additives. Coconut water (20%) as an additive supported vigorous growth of protocorms with deep green pigmentation and upon their subculture (90 days old) on M medium supplemented with coconut water (20%) or casein hydrolysate (0.05%), these protocorms developed into seedlings complete with roots and leaves in 2-3 months. Partially expanded leaves with meristematic base, separated from aseptically grown seedlings were also cultured on M medium fortified with 10 mgl-1 BAP and 1 mgl-1 IAA; this nutrient combination induced an average of 11.25 shoots/leaf in 6-9 months. Woody plant medium (Lloyed and McCown, 1980; WPM) enriched with 5% banana pulp induced early rooting of shoots in 2-3 months. The rooted plantlets and seedlings showed 90% and 63% establishment respectively in community pots and on tree trunks, in the garden site. Plants reinforced at Karamana river of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary showed 48% survival after one year. The pilot trial on restoration through micropropagation is useful for further reintroduction and population enhancement for practical conservation of Smithsonia maculata.
Presence of multiseriate velamen, parenchymatous cortex and defined endodermis was observed in roots of all the presently studied species of tribe Coelogyneae (Coelogyne breviscapa, C. corymbosa, C. flaccida, C. nervosa, C. nitida, C. ovalis, C. prolifera, C. stricta, and Pholidota pallida). The geographical conditions and type of habitat, besides the host-tree on which orchid grows has a vital role in survivability of epiphytic orchids. The orchids that are getting poor supply of nutrients from the host plant undergo adaptations so as to survive under extreme environmental conditions
In the present study, four orchids belonging to the largest sub-family Epidendroideae, namely Bulbophyllum mysorensis, B. sterile, Eria pauciflora, and E. pseudoclavicaulis were subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis using their acetone extracts obtained with the help of Soxhlet apparatus. The results indicated that all the four plants were rich in phytochemical constituents, with maximum six secondary metabolites, in the leaves followed by the pseudobulbs, in all the four species. The diversity of phytochemicals present in these orchids proved that they are medicinally important as also reported during ethnobotanical studies. Further, quantitative estimation and pharmacognostical studies would help in assessing their true potential as pharmaceutical drugs.
Orchidaceae is amongst the most diverse and widespread families of flowering plants with uniquely colourful and fragrant flowers. The status and distribution pattern of orchids was examined in Pangi Valley, District Chamba of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya. Pangi Valley supports unique, natural, ecologically and economically important orchids of Great Himalayan Range. Quadrat method was followed for the quantitative assessment of orchid species. A total of 17 species of orchids representing 11 genera were recorded. These were distributed between 2100-4500 m amsl and found in shady moist, alpine meadows/thatches, grassland, riverine, rocky, shrubbery and dry habitats. The species were analysed for nativity, endemism, threat categories and indigenous uses. Amongst the studied species, 10 were natives, 4 non-natives, 3 near-endemic. Of the total species, 8 species were found in the sites sampled for quantitative assessment of vegetation. Cephalanthera longifolia was recorded at maximum sites (9 sites), followed by Dactylorhiza hatagirea (8 sites), Calanthe plantaginea and Epipactis helleborine (6 sites), Platanthera edgeworthii and Malaxis muscifera (2 sites, each) and Cypripedium cordigerum and Gymnadenia orchidis (1 site, each). Maximum orchids were found in shady moist habitat (11 species), followed by rocky (3 species), dry (2 species) and alpine, riverine and grassland (1 species each) habitats. The density of Cephalanthera longifolia ranged from 0.1-0.25 Ind m-2, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, 0.05-0.85 Ind m-2, Calanthe plantaginea, 0.05-0.50 Ind m-2, Epipactis helleborine, 0.05-0.40 Ind m-2, Malaxis muscifera, 0.20-0.40 Ind m-2, Platanthera edgeworthii, 0.05-0.10 Ind m-2, Cypripedium cordigerum, 0.55 Ind m-2 and Gymnadenia orchidis, 0.85 Ind m-2. Some of the species have medicinal properties and are used to cure sores, eczema, fever, burns, cough, cold, cuts, sexual disability, rheumatism, nervous disorder, female disorder, kidney disorder, spermopiotic, urinary problems, dysentery, sterility, etc. Maximum species are known to be used as tonic (7 species), followed by blood problems (5 species), fever, cough, spermopiotic and female disorder (3 species, each) and burns, expectorant, cold, rheumatism, urinary disorder, dysentery, epilepsy (2 species, each). Among the species, Cypripedium himalaicum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, and Habenaria intermedia were Endangered, Cypripedium cordigerum, Malaxis muscifera and Platanthera edgeworthii as Vulnerable, Herminium monorchis as Near Threatened and remaining species as Least Concerned. Studies on habitat ecology of these orchids is important for understanding the dynamics of their population, mass multiplication following conventional and in vitro propagation methods, conservation. Received: April
Orchids are known for their wide range of diversity in forms, size, colour, delightful appearance, long lasting qualities and texture of flowers which are highly fascinating. These constitute an order of royalty in the world of ornamental plants and rank first in the global tropical cut flower trade. These plants are an integral part of forest ecosystem and have a major role in ecological balance of forest environment. Cultivation of orchids has become an important income earning sector in many of the developed and developing countries. There is a dynamic shift from sustenance production to commercial production in orchids in many of the nations and there is a significant increase in trade of orchids at domestic level and profit to farmers because of rapid urbanization. The demand for orchids as cut flower in both domestic and international market is growing fast and hence a large number of people sustain their livelihood by either producing or marketing of orchids. The basic requirements in flower trade are novelty, uniqueness and rarity, to attract the consumer demand. The orchid species and hybrids play a major role in bringing these export oriented traits for consumer satisfaction. The significance of orchids is figured internationally as State or National flowers like Cattleya skinneri by Costa Rica and Cypripedium reginae by Minnesota. With the potential available in the country in terms of climate and human resources, India can go a long way to be in the forefront of the international orchid trade. It is high time to address the relevant technological and infrastructure issues to reap this potential. Received: August
The present paper deals with morphological and anatomical studies in Oberonia tenuis, collected from Kerala. During the present study, micro-morphology of the flower was investigated. Observations on the occurrence of tuberculate glands on the lip and presence of calcium oxalate crystals and silica bodies in the leaf and roots were made.
The anther in Bulbophyllum fimbriatum (Lindl.) Reichb. f. was dithecous and tetrasporangiate. Its wall development conforms to the monocotyledonous type. Mass of dense protoplasmic cells represented the massive archesporium. Each such archesporium developed into pollinium. The anther wall was 4-layered. The endothelial cells developed one or two ring-like radially disposed thickenings on the inner walls. Tapetal cells were uninucleate and dual in origin. Simultaneous cytokinesis resulted in tetrahedral and rhomboidal pollen tetrads. At the time of release of pollnia, pollen grain attained 2-celled stage. Received: December
Uttarakhand harbours 73 genera and 231 species of orchids out of which 54% are terrestrial, 41% epiphytic and 5% are saprophytic. Extrinsic rarity in orchids is a reflection of anthropogenic threatening processes which directly limit or reduce the distribution and abundance of species, such as collection of wild orchids or land clearance. Habitat protection could be one of the most important in situ conservation strategies for orchids. Microclimatic conditions play an important role in the establishment and distribution of orchid species. In the present study, an extensive field survey was carried out from the lower catchment area of Mandakini river (tropical forest) up to the upper sacred forest of Khombherav, in Garhwal division. A total 17 genera with 19 species were recorded. Majority of orchids were found epiphytic followed by terrestrial distributed between 1000-2600 m. Species of Dendrobium and Oberonia were found to be dominant. Coelogyne cristata, Pholidota articulata, and Satyrium nepalense were found to be used by local people as a medicine.
Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants and orchids are one of the most threatened plants due to habitat destruction and climate change, but many of them are also threatened by illegal harvest for horticulture, cultural use, food and medicine. In this review paper, trade related activities, economic importance of valuable orchid species and conservation measures are discussed in detail with a view to developing approaches that may allow us to address the threats on a broader scale to complement focused approaches for the species that are identified as being at the highest risk.
Study was conducted to explore the floristic diversity of Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh during 2013-17. As, this sanctuary has not been explored for the floristic diversity including orchids, an attempt was presently made to assess the diversity and indigenous uses of orchids, occurring in the sanctuary. Twelve species of the orchids were recorded; of these, 6 species were natives and 1 species was near-endemic. These orchid species were distributed between 1900-2700 m amsl. Most of these species were used by the local inhabitants for curing wounds, cuts, cough, snake bite, etc. and as a blood purifier and tonic. Most of these species were found in shady moist forest floor. The high anthropogenic pressure and changing environmental conditions have increased the vulnerability of these species. Therefore, regular monitoring of the species in relation to climate change for understanding the dynamics, and creating awareness among the local inhabitants and forest officials are suggested. Received: July
Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the most sought after pot plant as well as cut flower in the international market. It is a short stemmed monopodial orchid, producing lateral inflorescences, usually twice a year in the tropical conditions. To retain the flowers for a longer period, presently, inflorescence pruning and its effect on emergensce of new flower spike and flowering behaviour were studied. The spent (flowered) inflorescences were pruned at three different levels, 1st, 2nd, 3rd node, which was compared with that of control, wherein the spent inflorescences were retained as such. Results showed that the number of days taken for emergence of new flower spike were minimum (23.80 days) in plants where the spent inflorescences were pruned at the first node, compared to that at the third node (36.40 days) and second node (66.60 days). The treatments were significantly superior to non-pruned plants (control) as the new inflorescences emerged only after 174.40 days, in the latter case. The number of days taken for the first bud emergence and the first flower opening, showed no significant difference. Though inflorescence length and number of florets were at par amongst the treatments, flowering duration was longer in plants pruned at the first node.
Leaf epidermal characteristics were investigated in twelve Western Himalayan species of Habenaria Willd. sensu lato with a view to assess their taxonomic and ecological importance. The leaves in all species investigated were soft, shiny and devoid of trichomes. The epidermal cells were polygonal in shape but quadrilateral on adaxial surface of H. edgeworthii J. D. Hook. Cell walls were straight except on abaxial epidermis of H. commelinifolia (Roxb.) Wall. ex Lindl. and H. ensifolia Lindl., where they were slightly undulated. The leaves were invariably hypostomatic and possessed anomocytic type of stomata. Additional presence of diacytic (H. plantaginea Lindl.) and twin (H. marginata Coleb.) stomata was of taxonomic implication. Stomatal frequency (per mm2) was lowest (16.01±1.09) in H. edgeworthii and highest (56.84±3.50) in H. marginata, and stomatal index (%) ranged between 11.93±1.14 (H. stenopetala Lindl.) and 27.24±1.26 (H. aitchisonii Reichb. f.). Leaf epidermal features reflected no apparent relationship with species habitat. There were significant differences observed in many epidermal characteristics, which can ably supplement the data available on gross morphology to help in delimiting different Habenaria species.
The present work was aimed at proving the hypothesis that, a Ceratobasidiaceae clone of symbiotic fungus from Vanda thwaitesii Hook. f. supports in vitro symbiotic seed germination in other closely related species, V. spathulata (L.) Spreng, a vulnerable orchid species endemic to Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. An attempt was made to co-cultivate V. spathulata seeds on Oat Meal Agar medium with the mycorrhizal fungus to obtain symbiotic germination. Transformation of seeds into different stages assessed at 15 days intervals revealed fast seedling development. Seeds showed germination with the enlargement of embryos and breaking of seed coat, denoted as stage ‘1’ in 7 days. The germinated seeds subsequently developed into enlarged yellowish protocorms (Stage 2) often with absorbing hair from their base (Stage 3) in 30 days. Out of the total germinated seeds, 22.5% were at stage 1; 29.2% at stage 2, and 26.9% at stage 3. Protocorms that reached stage 2 were almost completely developed into stage 3 with absorbing hair and leaf primordia; these were with two expanded leaves and root initials, when observed after 60 days. Fifteen per cent of the embryos reached stage 5 and beyond with 2 fully expanded leaves and 1-2 roots in 90 days. Control seeds without having mycorrhiza swelled and showed 38% germination but did not progressed beyond stage ‘2’, even after 60 days. The symbiotic seedlings having 3-4 leaves and 2-3 roots obtained after 180 days showed 90% establishment after 3-18 months of transfer to the nursery. The results obtained in this study enabled to prove the hypothesis that the Ceratobasidiaceae clone of endophytic fungus known to support symbiotic seed germination in V. thwaitesii is equally effective in V. spathulata, indicating thereby that the strain is not species specific in this case and supports symbiotic germination in other species of Vanda as well. The symbiotic seed germination obtained is highly valuable for restoration/conservation translocation of V. spathulata