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Sunil Dutt, S S Samant, Vijay Kumar, Kausha/ya Devi, Om Prakash, and La/it Mohan Tewari
Issue: 2023, 37 ,167-175

The present investigation was carried out for the exploration of orchids in lnderkila National Park, located in Kullu District of the Himachal Pradesh. Eighteen species of the orchids representing 12 genera were recorded during the present investigation. Majority of these orchid species were found to grow between 2815-3800 m amsl. Amongst the presently investigated species, 11 species were native and 4 were near endemic to the Indian Himalayan Region. Eight habitats were identified and majority of the orchid species were reported in shady moist and moist alpine slope habitats. Most of the species were used for curing various diseases by the inhabitants of the valley. Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Malaxis muscifera are high attitude species. Due to high commercial/medicinal values of Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Ma/axis muscifera, these species are facing high anthropogenic pressure, leading to their rapid population depletion in the area.The conservation of such orchid species underscores the importance of protecting the intricate web of life on earth, acknowledging their ecological significance, and recognizing the need for concerned efforts to ensure their continued existence for the benefits of both nature and mankind. Preserving this remarkable plant family is not only atestament to our commitment to understanding and safeguarding earths diverse ecosystem, but also a key to unlocking potential benefits for science, medicine, and horticulture. Therefore, regular monitoring of populations of orchids in relation to climate scenario has been suggested for understanding the dynamics of the species and develop strategies for conservation.

https://doi.org/10.64873/JOSI.v37.i1-2.167-175