The Crimson Shield Orchid, Crepidium acuminatum (D.Don) Szlach. (=Ma/axis acuminata D.Don), grows in temperate and subtropical Himalayas (from Himachal Pradesh to Sikkim; 6000-7000 ft), Western Ghats, Nilgiri Hills, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is an important ingredient of Ashtavarga drugs used in the preparation of an ayurvedic tonic Chyavanprash and is marketed under the trade name Rishbhak. Immature seeds procured from undehisced green capsules (12 wap) of Crepidium acuminatum were inoculated on M medium with and without different organic supplements [Yeast Extract (YE), Peptone (P), and Casein Hydrolysate (CH) (0.1% each): Coconut water (CW; 10%)] to assess the germination potential. Healthy seedlings were obtained on activated charcoal (AC) enriched basal M medium under light conditions in 33 wks. Leaf formation was observed in Peptone enriched medium under dark conditions, whereas, combinations containing other growth additives failed to induce leaf development. Early pseudobulbs formation was observed in medium containing CW under dark conditions.
https://doi.org/10.64873/JOSI.v37.i1-2.49-57