The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is one of the World Heritage Sites in the Indian Himalayan Region. It supports representative,natural, unique, and socio-economically important biodiversity. Amongst the flowering plants, family Orchidaceae is unique and highly evolved. But the orchid species are facing tremendous pressure due to over exploitation, habitat degradation, and changing environmental conditions particularly climate change. Also, ecological status of these species is very poorly known. Therefore, the present study has been conducted to assess the orchid diversity of sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems of the Great Himalayan National Park. Rapid sampling and quadrat methods were used for the ecological assessment of the species. The economic importance of the species is based on the interviews of the local inhabitants. The intensive and extensive surveys resulted in the identification of 14 species representing 9 genera. These species were distributed between 2807-4025 m amsl and represented by the moist alpine, bouldary, riverine, rocky, and shady moist habitats. The species were also analyzed for their nativity, indigenous uses, and rarity. Amongst species, 12 species were natives and 02 species non-natives. Dactylorhiza hatagirea was recorded in maximum sites (12 sites), followed by Epipactis helleborine (11 sites), Calanthe tricarinata (04 sites), Calanthe plantaginea, Gymnadenia orchidis (03 sites, each), Epipactis royleana, Cypripedium cordigerum (02 sites, each) and Goodyera repens, Goodyera fusca, Epipactis gigantea, Malaxis muscifera, Platanthera edgeworthii, Goodyera biflora and Dienia cylindrostachya (01 site, each). Maximum orchids were found in shady moist habitat (21 spp.), followed by alpine moist (08 spp.), riverine and rocky (06 spp., each), and bouldary (02 spp.). The density of Epipactis helleborine ranged from 0.20-4.50 Ind m-2, Dactylorhiza hatagirea 0.03-3.58 Ind m-2, Epipactis royleana 1.90-3.58 Ind m-2, Calanthe plantaginea 0.60-0.90 Ind m-2, Gymnadenia orchidis 0.60-1.95 Ind m-2, Cypripedium cordigerum 0.15-0.60 Ind m-2, Goodyera fusca 0.30 Ind m-2, Epipactis gigantea 0.23 Ind m-2, Malaxis muscifera 0.10 Ind m-2, Platanthera edgeworthii 0.30 Ind m-2, Goodyera biflora 1.13 Ind m-2 , Dienia cylindrostachya 0.15 Ind m-2, and Goodyera repens 0.83 Ind m-2. Amongst the species, Calanthe plantaginea, Epipactis gigantea, Epipactis helleborine, Epipactis royleana, Goodyera fusca, and Platanthera edgeworthii were identified as Vulnerable.Calanthe tricarinata, Goodyera biflora, and Dienia cylindrostachya were identified as Near Threatened, Cypripedium cordigerum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, and Gymnadenia orchidis as Endangered, Malaxis muscifera was identified as Critically Endengered and Goodyera repens was identified as Least Concern. Study on habitat ecology and periodical monitoring populations of these orchids has been suggested for understanding the dynamics and conservation status of their populations.
The present paper describes and discusses the antibacterial potential of the Himalayan Orchids with reference to the nine species namely Aerides multiflora Roxb.,Crepidium acuminatum (D.Don) Szalch., Dendrobium amoenum Wall. ex Lindl., Flickingeria macraei (Lindl.) Seidenf., Habenaria intermedia D.Don, Pholidota articulata Lindl., Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume, Smitinandia micrantha (Lindl.) Holttum, and Vanda testacea (Lindl.) Rchb.f. These orchids were also screened for their alkaloid test. Also, the test microorganisms (bacterialspecies) Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Micrococcus luteus, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus are described for their biochemical, cultural characteristics, and pathogenicity. Received: December
The present paper includes data on orchid flora available from Andhra Pradesh, their endemics, and also reviews the orchid-mycorrhizal status along with author's data on orchidoid mycorrhiza.
In vitro seed germination, protocorm development, organization of shoot apical meristem, and initiation of leaf and root primordia are described in Dendrobium ovatum (L.) Kraenzl. The first leaf primordium was initiated opposite to the cotyledonary sheath on the apical meristem. The subsequent leaves arising from the apical meristem were alternate, resulting in two ranked condition of leaves, in the young seedlings. The origin of the first lateral root near the lower end of the procambium was observed. The terminal position of the epicotyl and absence of primary root has been established. The germination of orchid seed was of the epigeal type.
Crepidium acuminatum (D.Don) Szlach., commonly known as Jeevak, is an endangered medicinal orchid of renowned status in Ayurveda The dried pseudobulbs of C. acuminatum are one of the important ingredients of Ashtavarga Drugs used in the preparation of Chyavanprash and also to cure tuberculosis. Presently, an attempt was made to establish in vitro method for rapid regeneration of C. acuminatum using young unopened floral buds with a view to developing an efficient mass propagation protocol for its conservation. For this purpose, young unopened floral buds from immature inflorescence (8 to 10 days old) were excised, surface sterilized in bavistin (0.01 mgl-1), streptomycin (0.01 mgl-1), and mercuric chloride (0.1 mgl-1) and subsequently cultured on M (Mitra et al., 1976) medium supplemented with different growth additives (1 mgl-1). Interestingly, the buds successfully regenerated into shoot buds in M medium containing IAA and IAA+KN in three wks old cultures; the best response was however, observed on medium containing IAA+KN (1 mgl-1 each) in which 8 to 10 pseudobulbous shoots were developed from single floral bud after 5 months of culturing. Pseudobulbous plantlets complete with roots and leaves were obtained in 21 wks old cultures. However, when BAP (1 mgl-1) was added to basal medium, some buds initially showed swelling after 3 wks of culturing and subsequently, opened into as flowers. These data indicate that C. acuminatum can be successfully regenerated using young floral buds and this methodology may be applied to other medicinally important orchids so as to produce a large number of clones in short time.
The ovary in Neuwiedia veratrifolia Blume was observed as inferior, tricarpellary, syncarpous, and trilocular due to fusion of the placenta. Numerous antropous, bitegmic, and tenuinucellate ovules were borne on the placental humps. Funicle lacks conducting tissue. Integuments developed from the epidermis of the ovular primordium, 2-cell layered thick; micropyle was formed from the inner integument alone. The development of embryo sac confirmed to monosporic C-1b type (Abe, 1972b). Chalazal megaspore in the triad configuration developed into 8-nucleate embryo sac. The mature embryo sac contained an egg apparatus, secondary nucleus, and 3 antipodal nuclei. Double fertilization occurred in a normal manner
An anatomical profiling work on floral micromorphology of two critically endangered and endemic helmet orchids, Corybas selangorensis J.Dransf. & G.Sm. and Corybas holttumii J.Dransf. & G.Sm., was conducted. The objective of this study was to understand the diversity of the floral-surface micromorphology of the two species for the first time and their taxonomic significance. The micromorphology of the floral parts was observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM); these were photographed, described, and illustrated. In the floral micromorphology of C. holtumii, there was an occurrence of anisocytic stoma which were observed on the dorsal sepal, and in contrast rare type holo-paracytic stomata which were observed on the dorsal sepal and bract of C. selangorensis. Sessile and long capitate glandular trichomes were observed on the dorsal sepal of C. holttumii, whereas neither glandular trichomes nor papillae were observed on C. selangorensis. Presence of stomata, glandular trichomes, and papillae on the dorsal sepal and labellum are the distinguishing characters. Trichomes and stomata offer more values on anatomical adaptions in defence and pollination for such species with inconspicuous habit rather than for release of fragrance. Different types of periclinal and anticlinal walls of the epicuticular ornamentation are useful to delimit and recognize the studied species from a similar subsection.
Orchidaceae is amongst the most diverse and widespread families of flowering plants. They are known for their incredible diversity in size, shape, forms, colour, attractiveness of their flowers and high keeping qualities upto ten wks. The Eastern Himalayas (including the NorthEast India), the Western Ghats, and the Western Himalayas are the three major centers of orchid diversity in India with a total strength of about 1,256 species of orchids in 155 genera. Presently, an attempt was made to assess the diversity, distribution, threat status, indigenous uses, and conservation status of orchids of Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), NorthWestern Himalaya. A total of 10 orchid species under 7 genera (Cephalanthera, Epipactis, Habenaria, Herminium, Liparis, Malaxis, and Satyrium) belonging to sub-families Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae have been collected from the study area. All of the species were found to be primarily distributed at an elevation range of approximately 1900-2620 m above the sea level. These have medicinal properties and are used to cure several diseases like sores, eczema blood disorders, skin disorders, fever, male sterility, internal haemorrhage, rheumatism, bronchitis etc. These are also used as tonic, aphrodisiac, rejuvenator, spermopiotic etc. As most of the orchids are insect pollinated, the depletion in the populations of insect pollinators may also lead to the depletion in the natural populations of particular orchid species. Further, as these are important both scientifically and commercially, their natural populations are on decline due to lot of other commercial pressures as well besides habitat destructions due to various natural and anthropogenic reasons. Amongst the presently studies species, Habenaria edgeworthii, Herminium lanceum, and Liparis rostrata are categorized as Endangered; Malaxis muscifera as Vulnerable; Habenaria intermedia, Malaxis acuminata, and Satyrium nepalense are Near Threatened; and Cephalanthera longifolia, Epipactis helleborine, and Habenaria latilabris as Least Concerned. Therefore, several conservation measures are being suggested and orchid species are under the protection of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and enlisted in the appendices I & II of CITES (2012).
Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants in the world. It consists of about 25,000 to 35,000 species, distributed everywhere except the poles. Orchids employ different types of strategies to accomplish sexual reproduction. India has rich biodiversity of orchids and inhabits every agro-climatic regions of the country. It is estimated that over 1300 species occur in India, and the pollination biology has been studied in only a few species. Hence, considering the diversity and endemism in orchids, research on this area is almost lacking. For sustainable conservation of orchid genetic resources, it is necessary to understand orchid and pollinator relationship, breeding system, pollination biology and many other aspects that limit reproductive success both pre- and post-pollination. Similarly, the impact of human activities on the pollination system needs to be documented for sustainable conservation of orchid genetic resources
The germination potential of immature seeds of Coelogyne fimbriata Lindl. was evaluated on Mitra et al. (1976, M) medium and its combinations with and without growth additives [YE (2 gl-1)]; [P (2 gl-1)]; auxin [IAA (1 mgl-1), NAA (1 mgl-1)]; cytokinin [KN (1 mgl-1)]; and AC (2 gl-1). In the basal medium, 92.25±1.26% seeds showed germination response. Additional presence of IAA proved almost ineffective, however, NAA in the medium, delayed the protocorm development and subsequent morphogenetic stages leading to seedling development. Seedlings were obtained in 198.00±1.63 days. Presence of KN in the nutritional regime advanced the onset of germination and robust seedlings were obtained in 172.25±1.70 days. P and YE in the medium acted similarly during early stages of seed germination; these proved beneficial not only in considerably enhancing the germination frequency (100.00±0.00) but also in advancing the onset of germination. Seedlings with 2-3 leaves and 1-2 roots were obtained in 168.00±1.63 days. AC in the medium generally proved beneficial for enhancing the frequency and advancing the onset of germination in all the tested combination. Seedlings were transferred to clay pots containing potting mixture (brick-pieces, charcoal, moss) in ratio of 1:1:1 and nearly 75% of seedling survival was recorded Received: November
Bulbophyllum rufinum Rchb.f., and Bulbophyllum crassipes J. D. Hooker of the family Orchidaceae have been reported here as new angiospermic record for Bangladesh flora. Detailed examination with description, flowering time, ecology, and geological distribution of the species has been provided here with illustration and photographs.
The present study deals with antimicrobial activity and anticancerous efficacy of leaf extract of Luisia zeylanica Lindl. by using different solvents. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. These extracts were used to study antimicrobial activity against four bacterial and three fungal strains by agar diffusion method. In vitro anticancerous activity was also carried out against two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and HeLa cell line) by using 3 (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The highest zone of inhibition was observed in ethyl acetate extract against Lactobacillus acidophilus, whereas methanolic extract showed highest activity against fungus, Candida albicans. A significant cancer cell growth inhibition was observed for two extracts with IC50 value ranging between 18.36 μgml-1 and 67.914 μgml-1.
Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex G. Don is a wild epiphytic orchid with high medicinal values. The seeds of this orchid can be germinated asymbiotically in vitro for rapid propagation. In this study, different growth additives such as banana powder (1-3% w/v), tomato powder (1-3% w/v), and coconut water (5, 10, 15, and 20% v/V) in half strength Murashige and Skoog medium showed various responses, either independently or in combinations. Amongst these three additives used, (15% v/V) coconut water gave the maximum percentage response (78±1.15) followed by banana powder (46.6±1.2) and tomato powder (19±1.3), when used alone. A combination of banana powder (10
Orchids are fascinating group of angiosperms that have attracted the admiration of scientists, horticulturists, and industrialists because of their amazing ornamentation, brilliant color combinations, and extended blooming period. They are very sensitive and have high specificity towards pollution free environment of their niches and need much more care for protection of their habitat for their existence. The process of open-cast coal mining involves removal of top overlying soil layer with vegetation cover, leading to denudation and total elimination of the forest cover. Majority of the orchids are found as epiphytes and destruction of trees has created permanent elimination of these epiphytes. Assam is blessed with wide-range of eco-climatic suitability to fulfill the specific micro-climatic requirement for the growth of orchids. The present study deals with the natural diversity of orchids within Lekhapani Reserve Forest of Makum Coal Field in Digboi Forest Division under Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve forest covers an area of 1158.46 hectares. Lekhapani- Tipongpani Mining lease lies on the South West border with Arunachal Pradesh. Bio-geographically, the study site is situated in the Eastern Himalayan province where the major forest type is Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest dominated by Canarium resiniferum Brace ex King., Dipterocarpus retusus Blume., Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb., T. myriocarpa Van Heurck & Müll. Arg. etc. and is situated over a huge deposition of coal. Surveys and walked transects were conducted to enumerate the species and its population status. A total of 39 orchid species under 24 genera have been recorded from the study site, mostly of sub tropical and temperate environment. Amongst them, 36 species were epiphyte, 3 species were terrestrial and 6 species were found to be rare in rank. This study covered the distribution of the species, their host range, phenology, and ecological status. According to government policies, the total destruction of the forest for open cast coal mining has created a great threat for this plant resource especially the orchid flora of the Dihing-Patkai Region. With a view to conserve these species, Rain Forest Research Institute, jointly with Makum Coal fields planned the ex situ conservation and multiplication of orchids germplasm of Lekhapani Reserve Forest.Received: November
The present study has been conducted in Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Intensive and extensive surveys were conducted for the collection of orchid species. Rapid sampling for the qualitative and quadrat method for quantitative assessment has been followed. Total 16 species of orchids representing 11 genera were recorded. These species were distributed between 1,500-2,750 m amsl in shady moist, dry, and degraded habitats. The orchid species were analysed for nativity, endemism, indigenous uses, and threat categories. Amongst the species, 07 species were natives and 09 species were non-natives to the Himalayan Region. The species namely Platanthera edgeworthii, Satyrium nepalense, and Habenaria pectinata were Near Endemic and Habenaria intermedia was Endemic to Indian Himalayan Region. Of the total species, 06 species were found in the sites sampled for quantitative assessment of vegetation. Epipactis helleborine was recorded in maximum sites (05 sites), followed by Calanthe tricarinata (03 sites), Habenariaintermedia, Herminium lanceum, and Malaxis muscifera (02 sites, each) and Epipactis latifolia (01 site). Maximum species were found in shady moist habitat (06 spp.), followed by dry (03 spp.), and degraded (01 sp.) habitats. Quantitative assessment of the orchid species revealed their density very low i.e., < 1.0 ind m-2. Some of the species were used to cure sores, eczema, fever, burns, cough, cold, cuts, rheumatism, nervous disorder, female disorder, kidney disorder, urinary problems, dysentery etc. Maximum species (04 spp.) were used as tonic, followed by some to cure fever (03 spp.), eczema, sores, and urinary problems (02 spp., each). Amongst the part used, tuber and arial part (05 spp., each) were utilized maximum. Habenaria intermedia was Endangered, Malaxis muscifera and Platanthera edgeworthii were Vulnerable and Epipactis helleborine, Herminium monorchis, and Satyrium nepalense were Near Threatened and remaining species were under Least Concern category. Frequent monitoring of habitats using quadrat method is suggested to understand the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on the population of orchid species.Received: November