Newsletter of

The Orchid Society of India

Vol. 25 December 2009

Department of Botany, Panjab University

Chandigarh – 160 014, India

PRESIDENT
Secretary’s Message
Dr (Mrs) Manju Sharma
New Delhi
ver since its inception in 1984, The Orchid Society of India (TOSI), is
VICE-PRESIDENTS
Dr S. Natesh
New Delhi
E continuously engaged in projecting the importance of the orchids to
orchid fraternity both at national and international level, and our efforts to
Prof. A K Bhatnagar attract amateurs and professionals to this fascinating world yielded good results
Delhi and several big business houses including some multinationals have already
Mr Dilip K De taken up orchid cultivation in a big way. The Society has been projecting the
Mumbai importance of orchids and orchid based vocations by periodically organizing
Dr M Sanjappa Conferences/Seminars/Symposia, Lectures and Orchid Shows in different parts
Kolkata
of the country. The Society has recently celebrated its 25th year of inception.
S E C R ETARY During the year-long celebrations, several activities including Symposia, Lectures,
Prof. S P Vij Training Programmes and Orchid Shows shall be organized. The celebration
Chandigarh
was launched during 16-17 December, 2008 at Panjab University, Chandigarh
J O I NT S E C R ETARY and National Symposium on Orchids: Science and Art, on this occasion was
Dr C Sathish Kumar based on Invited Lectures by distinguished orchidiologists. The select gathering
Thiruvananthapuram
of nearly 200 persons included orchid scientists, growers, entrepreneurs,
TREASURER hobbyists, enthusiasts, and policy planners from all over the country. The Society
Dr Promila Pathak
Chandigarh has commemorated the occasion by publishing about 1000 copies of a colorful
‘Souvenir cum Abstract Book’ for free distribution to the delegates and
COUNCILLORS appropriate Government and non-Government organizations.
Dr S S Datta, Gurgaon
Prof. M C Gayatri, Bangalore TOSI is now planning to organize a National Conference on Orchids: Systematics
Dr R P Medhi, Pakyong and Diversity Analysis for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization at G.B. Pant
Dr P Pushpangadan, Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi- Kattarmal, Almora-
Thiruvananthapuram 263 643 Uttarakhand, during 19-21 March, 2010. Through this Newsletter,
Prof. P K Rajeevan, Thrissur we wish to update the orchid fraternity about the Activities of TOSI, its New
Dr S S Samant, Kullu Members, Short Communications, Cultures Notes, International Conference
Dr Navdeep Sekhar, Faridkot Reports and Information from different Orchid Laboratories. Further suggestions
Prof IU Rao, Delhi for improvement in Newsletter from the members shall be encouraging.
Dr Renu Swarup, New Delhi
Mr Rajnish Vij, Chandigarh We are glad to announce that several new members have already joined the
C O N T E N T S TOSI fraternity and request you to further help in enlarging the TOSI
TOSI Silver Jubilee Celebrations .......................... 03 community by enrolling new members.
News From Different Orchid Centres .................. 07
Orchid Laboratory, Department of Botany ......... 07 Information to be included in next issue please be sent at the earliest to the
Plant Biotechnology Laboratory ......................... 07 Editorial office.
Orchid Laboratory, Department of Botany, ......... 07
Botanical Survey of India ...................................... 08
Short Communications ....................................... 08
With fraternity regards and best wishes
Ethnomedicinal orchids used by the
Tribes of Bay islands ........................................ 08 Conserve and popularize Orchids!
Ethnobotany of orchids ...................................... 09
Orchids of alipurduar, a sub-division of district
Jalpaiguri in West Bengal .................................. 11
Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Neottia listeroides
in Sangla Valley (himachal himalayas) ............. 13
Culture Note ....................................................... 14

Design & Layout: C Sathish Kumar

S.P. Vij
1
REPORT

TOSI SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

&
NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ORCHIDS: SCIENCE AND ART
ICSSR Complex, Panjab University, Chandigarh
(December 16-17, 2008)

F loriculture, of late has developed

into a highly lucrative trade, thanks
to the aesthetic use of flowers and
The current trends in the trade are
heavily loaded in favour of orchids
because of the exquisite quality of
phytochemical contents and are used
to cure a variety of fertility and virility
related problems. Orchid cultivation
foliage for ornamentation and land - their blooms, which is appreciated and has over the years, evolved from a
scaping besides their importance in revered the world over. Orchids are hobby into a climbing vocation and has
social functions and society rituals. also valuable herbs due to their rich added significantly to the growth of
economies in several countries.
India, with a vast variety of climatic
conditions is a rich repository of
orchids; more than 1200 species grow
here and these include many with
herbal and ornamental potential.
Unfortunately, it has not as yet been
possible to judiciously exploit their
potential due to lack of awareness,
proper planting material and culture
procedures. We are also faced with
the problem of conservation since
several orchids are threatened of
survival in their natural habitats.
The Orchid Society of India (TOSI),
established in 1984, has been
promoting the cause of Indian
orchidology by projecting the
importance of orchids and orchid
Prof. R.C. Sobti, Dr. Manju Sharma and Prof. S. P. Vij at the inauguration based vocations. The Society has

2
 Dr. Manju Sharma Prof. R.C. Sobti Prof. P. K. Khosla,
th
decided to celebrate its 25 year of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh The poster Session and an orchid
inception. During the yearlong Organized the event as Organizing exhibition based on orchid cut flowers
celebrations, several activities Secretary. Registration was free of and live plants was also the focus of
including Symposia, Lectures, Training cost for orchid enthusiasts. Prof RC this two-day endeavor.
Programmes and Orchid Shows shall Sobti, Vice Chancellor, Panjab
The Opening Session was chaired by
be organized in different parts of the University, Chandigarh Inaugurated
Dr. P. K. Hajra. Dr. S. K. Chaturvedi
country. the Symposium on December 16,
(Strategies and Adaptation for Pollination
The Society recently launched the 2008 at ICSSR Complex (11.00 a.m.),
in Some Indigenous Orchids of
Silver Jubilee Year of its inception Panjab University, Chandigarh. Prof.
Nagaland) and Dr. H. J. Chowdhery
by organizing a National Symposium P. K. Khosla, Former Vice Chancellor,
(Orchid Diversity in India) delivered
on Orchids: Science and Art at HPKVV, Palampur and Dr S. Natesh,
Lectures. The Session was followed
Panjab University, Chandigarh. The Sr Advisor DBT (GOI) joined as
by Poster Session. The participants
participants included leading orchid Guests of Honor and Prof. Akhilesh
displayed around 25 posters on the
scientists, enthusiasts, growers, Tyagi (Molecular Biotechnology with
occasion. The Session on Orchid
entrepreneurs, and policy planners. orchids and other flowers) delivered
Resource was chaired and co-chaired
Several strategies were discussed for Key note Address.
by Dr. L. M. S Palni and Dr. S. S.
sustainable development of indigenous The Symposium had been enriched by Samant, respectively. Dr. M. Sanjappa
orchid wealth and its utilization in the participation of several delivered a talk on “Orchid Resources
employment generation particularly distinguished orchidists including Drs of Botanical Survey of India and Their
for the unemployed youth Manju Sharma, M Sanjappa, Akhilesh Value in Study of Indian Orchids” and
The celebration was launched on Tyagi, L M S Palni, and K. Natarajan. Dr. R. P. Medhi spoke on “Orchid
December 16, 2008 at ICSSR Some international delegates including Research at NRCO -An Overview.
Complex (11.00 a.m.), Panjab Drs M. K. Huda and S. K. Bhadra from The Session on Orchid Importance
University, Chandigarh wherein Prof Bangladesh had also joined the and Propagation was chaired and co-
SP Vij, Secretary TOSI had convened celebrations. The deliberations had chaired by Dr C. Sathish Kumar and
a National Symposium on Orchids: explored the different aspects of Prof. R. K. Bhanwra, respectively. Dr.
Science and Art (December 16-17, orchids including Diversity, Biology, H.K. Huda (Ecology and Distribution
2008), based on Invited Lectures. Prof. Improvement, Propagation, Pattern of Epiphytic Orchids in Sylhet
Promila Pathak, Department of Cultivation and Commercialization. Region of Bangladesh), Dr. B. D.

Release of Orchid News Felicitating Dr. M. Sanjappa, Director, BSI

3
 Dr. Sobhi inaugurates the Flower Show Orchid Flowers on Display

Two views of the audience

Sharma (Medicinal Value of Some Recapitulating the Past Decade and Although all the technical session
Orchids) and Dr. S. S. Samant Lessons Learnt), Prof. Promila Pathak generated a lot of useful information
(Research Needs for the Conservation (In Vitro Regeneration Competence of for the delegates but the flower show
of Orchid Diversity in the Indian Orchid Roots), Dr. C. Sathish Kumar proved to the sight stealer during both
Himalayan Region) were speakers. (The Art and Science of Commercial the days of funtion. Number of exotic
Other speakers who enriched the Orchid Breeding in India), Prof. B. D. cut flowers and pot plants were on
deliberations including Prof. L. M. S. the display. Although different
Sharma, Prof. G. S. Rawat (Orchid
Palni (Diversity, Distribution and varieties of hybrids and species were
Diversity of Mandal Valley of Kedarnath
Economic Potential of Orchids for on the exhibition but the ambience
Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya)
Sustainable Development of the Indian created by Dendrobes and
Himalayan Region (IHR), Prof. S. P. Vij and Dr. Simmi Aggarwal (Mycorrhiza
Renentheras stole the the show.
(Orchid Cultivation- A Venture climbing as a Tool for Conservation of Orchids: A
Vocations), Mr K. Natarajan (Challenges Case Study for Dactylorhiza hatagirea During the wrap up session, the
Faced by Orchid Growers in India: (D.Don) Soo.). following recommendations and

Prof. L. M. S. Palni Prof. Akhilesh Tyagi Dr S. Natesh Mr. K. Natarajan

4
 Felicitation of Mr. K. Natarajan Felicitation of Dr. Verma

suggestions were finalized, which the Sikkim); TBGRI (Thiruvanantha-  Project the importance of studies
participants felt may be sent to puram, Kerela); ISBT (Imphal, on reproductive biology, pest and
various planning and funding agencies Manipur) and TOSI Headquarter diseases, mycorrhizal endophytes,
for implementation. (Chandigarh). and micropropagation of orchids
Recommendations with a particular reference to RET
 Plan research programmes for
taxa.
 Launch TOSI website highlighting value addition in the indigenous
its activities portfolio and orchid resource using both the  Support of the funding agencies
publications particularly J. Orchid conventional breeding and may also be sought for bio
Soc. India. Dr Raghav (IMTECH) selective gene transfer techniques. prospecting and authentic
may be contacted for designing the documentation of folklore
website.  Prepare an updated Chromosome knowledge about therapeutic
Atlas for orchids. importance of orchids
 Prepare a biographical database of
Orchid Experts; request financial  Hold an International Conference  Institute Silver Jubilee Research
support from DBT for the on sustainable development of Fellowships (6-8) with financial
purpose. orchids preferably at Delhi support of DBT.
sometimes in late 2009.
 Hold training programmes in  Organize Annual Orchid Festivals
orchid cultivation especially for the  Request DBT to organize a in collaboration with different
weaker section of the society, in Brainstorming Session for orchid R&D Centers across India by
different parts of the country. improvement with participation of involving orchid scientists, traders,
Initially, such programmes may be growers, entrepreneurs, resear- enthusiasts, growers, and
organized at NRCO (Pakyong, chers, and policy planners. photographers.

A part of the Flower Show Dr. Sobti, Dr. S.P. Vij & Dr. Manju Sharma in the Show

5
NEWS FROM DIFFERENT ORCHID CENTRES

Orchid Laboratory, Department of Botany

Panjab University, Chandigarh –160 014

The Orchid laboratory is working on India Orchids for Conservation Purposes. collected. The plants were
various aspects of Indian Orchids for The seeds were grown into healthy photographed in their natural habitats,
the past over three decades. plantlets in a few cases work is being prepared as herbarium specimens, and
Researches are being carried out in done on others. Further under an All spirit preserved (mostly flowers) for
Orchid propagation, improvement and India Coordinated Project on Orchid future studies. All the collected
conservation besides taxonomical, Taxonomy (AICOPTAX-scheme) species were described and illustrated
embryological, physiological, Sponsored by Ministry of Environment .Data on their leaf epidermal features
biochemical, mycorrhizal and and Forest, Govt. of India, various were also collected; the
cytological aspects. Synthetic seed representative stomatal types were
field surveys were conducted in
identified and their taxonomic and
technology is being perfected in a large Himachal Pradesh (Baijnath, Chansil,
ecological significance assessed.
number of species. The cost effective Kullu, Manali, Marhi, Rohtang, Shimla
propagation protocols using different hills, Hattu, Baghi, Chansil, Tihra, A large number of orchid plants
gelling agents have been developed in Chail, Una, Solan, Parwanoo, introduced in a reserve forest near
a few selected orchid species and Dharampur), Punjab (Hoshiarpur, Chandigarh are growing very well and
hybrids, besides some attempts to Ludhiana, Ropar, Nangal, Perch, flowering every year. Extensive
develop some intergeneric hybrids Mullanpur), Haryana (Panchkula, studies are being carried out to
using indigenous species and floriferous Nadda Sahib, Morni hills and adjoining evaluate the efficacy of different
hybrids under DBT sponsored R&D gelling agents in economically
areas) and Chandigarh (Khuda Lohra,
important orchid species and hybrids
project entitled Development of Kansal forest, Nepli) within an
besides attempts to induce in vitro
Improved Varieties and Cost Effective altitudinal range of 350-3900 m. Some
flowering in these plants.
Protocols for in vitro Propagation of Some localities were revisited. A total of 26
Commercially Viable and Endangered orchid species in 19 genera were (Promila Pathak)

Plant Biotechnology Laboratory

Department of Botany, North-Eastern
Hill University, Shillong- 793 022

The Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of Cymbidium eburneum, C. techniques for re-establishment and
has been conducting researches on hookerianum, Dendrobium chrysanthum conservation of many rare and
orchids . Studies on mass propagation and D. nobile, molecular endangered orchid species of North
of rare and threatened orchid species characterization of medicinally East India have been developed. Miss
of Northeast India namely Dendrobium important orchids, and biochemical Subarna Hajong and Mr. Viki Manners,
chrysanthum, D. nobile, D. studies and the effects of mycorrhizal Mr. Paromik Bhattacharyya, Miss Sumi
hookerianum, Cymbidium eburneum, C. associations in D. chrysanthum and D. Paul and Miss Kiran Gogoi have joined
hookerianum and Vanda coerulea hookerianum are being conducted. the laboratory for persuing their
through seed germination, artificial Standard protocols for rapid researches for Ph.D.
seed technology and cryopreservation propagation through the various (Suman Khatri)

Orchid Laboratory, Department of Botany,

B.N. Bandodkar College of Science, Thane (W).

The department is working on conserving rare and endangered Mumbai The department of Botany
taxonomy, anatomy and palynology of species. The club has organized has organized a “National Seminar on
Orchids. A botanical club ‘Shrishti’, several slideshows and popular Orchids” at Thane in the year 2009,
with nearly 60 members, also lectures.A research project on Rare so as to educate and popularize
operates from here, with a view to and Endangered orchids from Thane orchids amongst the people in
creating awareness about Orchids and and adjacent region is in the progressI Mumbai.
their habitats besides the need for in project funded by University of (M.S.Mulgaonkar)

6
 Botanical Survey of India
Eastern Circle, Shillong

Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Department have discovered the Bulbophyllum ambrosia (Hance) Schltr.,
Circle, Shillong, is known for its following new species, varieties and Cleisostoma duplicilobum, C. rolfeanum
taxonomic work in orchids of North new records to Indian Orchid Flora: (King & Pantl.) Garay, Dendrobium
Eastern India. The centre has dantaniense Guill., D. sociale J.J. Sm.,
1. New genus & species: Penkimia
discovered over one hundred new D. pychnostachyum Lindl., Eria
nagalandensis S. Phukan & N. Odyuo.
species and many new records for sutepensis Rolfe ex Downie, Oberonia
India. During the last five years alone, 2. New species: Agrostophyllum helferi Hook.f., O. teres Kerr, Pleione
the scientists working at this centre flavidum Phukan, Armodorum saxicola T.Tang & F.T.Wang ex S.C.
under different action plan of the senapatianum Phukan et Mao, Chen, Thrixspermum pauiciflorum
Coelogyne hajrae Phukan, Eria (Hook.f.) Ridl.
glandulifera Deori & Phukan,
Dendrobium numaldeorii C. Deori, Additionally, the Plant Tissue
Hynniewta et Phukan, D. Laboratory at Eastern Circle, Shillong
meghalayense C. Deori, Sarma, is currently propagating some RET
Hynniewta et Phukan, D. species in vitro such as Bulbophyllum
arunachalense, C. Deori, Sarma, rothschialdianum, Cymbidium tigrinum,
Phukan et Mao, Flickingeria Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, P. insigne, P.
abhaycharanii Phukan et Mao. spicerianum, P. villosum, Renanthera
Corybas himalaicus (King & Pantl.) Schltr. A imschootiana, Vanda coerulea, etc. for
rare, beautiful orchid photograph taken 3. New variety: Cheirostylis chinensis mass multiplication and in vitro
from Dzuko valley, at the border of Manipur Rolfe var. glabra
and Nagaland during plant exploration tour
conservation.
in July 2007. 4. New records for India: (A. A. Mao)

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

ETHNOMEDICINAL ORCHIDS USED BY THE

TRIBES OF BAY ISLANDS
D. R. Singh, R. P. Medhi, Prasant K. Sikdar, and S. Manju
Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101

Orchids are the most fascinating and orchid roots were used as anti In India, the tribal/aboriginal people
beautiful of all the flowering plants, depressant and stimulant properties living in remote areas are often cut
exhibiting a wide range of floral form, in Greece and neighboring countries off from the main stream of
size, colour and texture. Their in Asia Minor. Natives in Africa, civilization. A total of 427 tribal
perplexing range of floral structure America, Asia, Europe and other communities live in the Country are
arouses highest degree of admiration. countries of the world also frequently inhabitants of Andaman and Nicobar
They are of immense horticultural use orchid as source of medicine. Islands Nicobaries, Sentinalies,
importance and play a useful role in Andamanies, Shompen, Onge and
Indigenous system of medicine Jarwas. Tribal communities are mainly
balancing the forest ecosystem
particularly ayurveda has recently the forest dwellers who have
(Kaushik, 1983). In Andaman and
attracted the attention of modern accumulated a rich knowledge on the
Nicobar Island, the orchids are
scientists in identifying appropriate uses of various forests and forest
represented by 138 species in 59
remedies for many challenging products over the centuries. They
genera (Singh, 2005).
diseases. Orchids are being used in have to depend on the jungles for
The orchids are commonly grown for this system of medicine for over 3,000 their requirement especially for food
cut flower and pot plant production, years and some of the common drugs and medicines. These people are very
but their medicinal utility is also well prepared from these plants are Riddhi, knowledgeable and use the plants in
documented. It was Theophrastus, Vriddhi, Jeevak, Rishabak, Jeevanti, a different, effective and novel
who reported that dried and chopped Munjatak, Amarkand and Rasna. manner.

7
In the recent past, it has been that of leaves of Melastoma for their livelihood and utilize the plant
revealed that tribal people traditionally malabathricume and Ocimum sanctum. products for treatment of wounds,
use plants and plant products for curing cuts, infections etc. Since the tribes
Eria andamanica Hook. f. - The
a variety of diseases. They never are cut off from the mainstream and
pseudobulbs are eaten raw or often
disclose the method of treatment roasting by Onges to get relives from they don’t have immediate medical
except to very nearer ones and are headache. assistance so they need to depend on
very conservative in this regard. It is natural resource i.e. plants. Slowly by
thus desirable to leave about their Eria bractiscens Lindl. -- The leaves trial and error methods they
medicinal practices for the benefit of are boiled in water and the extract developed perfect methodology for
common people. thus obtained is used for taking bath remedy of disease.
by the patient suffering with fever and
Based on the ethnobotanical studies malaria. As an analgesic and febrifuge, Orchids are used to cure a variety of
and survey it shows that the forest is a part of the leaves and coconut oil is ailments like muscular pains, head
quite rich in raw plant resources that rubbed on the body of children. ache, bone fracture, general debility,
could be easily procured from the weakness, including temporary
forest without affecting the Eulophia andamanensis Reichb. f. Onge sterility, to stimulate hair growth to
biodiversity of local forest resources. eat pseudobulb in fever. prevent baldness, as skin rejuvenation
The tribals of Andaman & Nicobar Eulophia nuda Lindl. - In stomach ache and as health drink. A few species of
Islands mostly depend on the forest due to food poisoning aqueous solution orchids have been considered to
resources for their livelihood. of the rhizome is taken by Nicobaries induce sterility among women. The
Gathering knowledge about for causing vomiting. native inhabitant in some areas uses
ethnomedicinal plants, collection, seeds of Cymbidium species and
extraction and marketing may afford Pholidota imbricata Lindl. - To get rid pseudobulb of Dendrobium species as
employment opportunity. of chest pain, one tea cup of decoction oral contraceptives.
of the roots is taken by Nicobaries. It
The present investigation has been is repeated thrice a day. It is the peak time to explore how
carried out on indigenous orchids of the tribes use the plant product for
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which Pomatocalpa wendlandorum Reichb. f. preparation of ethnomedicine for
are used by the tribal and some - During fits, the leaf paste boiled in ailment of various diseases. So that the
common people of these Islands to coconut oil is rubbed on the body by potentiality of indigenous orchid could
cure several diseases. The plants were Nicobaries.
reach to the common people.
named with their use and photograph. Spathoglottis plicata Bl..- In sever ear References
pain, juice of the aerial stem is dropped
Dendrobium crumenatum Sw. Swollen Kaushik, P. 1983. Ecological and
into ear by Nicobaries. Also sold as a
basal pseudobulbs are applied on Anatomical Marvels of Himalayan
potted plant.
forehead to get relieve from severe Orchids. Today and Tomorrow ’s
headache. Juice of the pseudobulb is The information about ethnobotanical Printers and Publishers, New Delhi,
warmed and poured in to ear to utility of these plants was mainly India.
relieve ear ache. To alley body pain gathered from the local and tribal Singh, D. R. 2005. Indigenous orchids of
and relieve fever and malaria, rubbing people of Andaman & Nicobar Andaman and Nicobar Islands. CARl,
of a part prepared from its leave with Islands,who mainly dwell in the forests Port Blair, India.

ETHNOBOTANY OF ORCHIDS
P Pushpangadan, P K Suresh Kumar, and C Sathish Kumar
Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha Palode,
Thiruvananthapuram- 695 562,Kerala
Orchids with nearly 30,000 natural Besides their ornamental value, many the MoEF from 1982-1998 made a
and over 1,00,000 hybrids constitutes members of this family have great comprehensive survey of the plant
one of the most fascinating families medicinal importance and extensively species including the member of
of the flowering plants, Orchidaceae. used in various traditional systems of Orchidaceae for their various
They are generally known for their medicine. Although there are many medicinal and other uses.
beautiful flowers of different shapes, reports on the ethnobotanical/
Orchids for Medicinal Purposes
color and size, and exceptionally long ethnomedicinal value of Orchid
vase life. There are over 100,000 man species in India, however it was the Orchids are used from time
made hybrids which are traded world All India Coordinated Project on immemorial by various traditional
over for their beautiful cut flowers. Ethnobiology (AICRPE) launched by communities living in the developing
8
parts of the world particularly in tubers have also been used to treat ex. Bl. is administered for fever
tropical and sub-tropical regions. Even tumors and similar degenerative (Burkill, 1966). Corymborkis veratrifolia
today, many traditional communities diseases (Emboden, 1974). Liparis (Reinw.) Bl. leaves are used to induce
including tribals and villagers use treubii J. J. Sm. is used in Asiatic tropics vomiting to break the fever (Miller,
several species of Orchids to treat a to treat a distended stomach. People 1978). A decoction of Tropidia
variety of human ailments. Since the in this area treat ailments of brain and curculigoides Lindl. is boiled with a
time of Confucius (551-479 BC), nerve with Dendrobium crumenatum species of Ardisia and used to treat
Orchids have been important in many Sw. Dropsy is thought to be cured by malaria (Gimlette & Thomson, 1971).
facets of Chinese life including Dendrobium pumilum Roxb. And Diarrhea is treated with a broth made
literature, painting and horticulture. headache by leaves of Dendrobium from the roots of Tropidia curculigoides
Charaka and Sushruta (1000' BC and subulatum Lindl. (Burkill, 1996). Lindl. and a broth prepared by boiling
600 BC respectively) have mentioned Intestinal conditions and worms Eria pannea Lindl. is used a cure for
the use of many Orchids in Ayurvedic prevalent in the tropics are treated malaria like fever (Burkill, 1966). The
System of Medicine. The dried with Eulophia virens Spreng. and juice of Macodes petola Lindl. is
pseudobulbs of orchids are used in Grammatophyllum scriptum Bl. (Burkill, sometimes dropped into the eye and
trade in India from time immemorial 1966). In Java, Corymborkis veratrifolia is said to increase proficiency in the
(Sarkar & Aggarwal, 1978)· Indeed in (Reinw.) Bl. is used as a febrifuge for art of writing (Usher, 1974). In Vanda
India, the earies.t reference on children (Burkill, 1966). There are hookeriana Rchb. hot leaves are used
Orchids can be found in Atharveda many reports of medicinal use of as apoultice (Gimlette & Thomson,
about the medicinal properties of Dendrobium crumenatum Sw. in 1971). Natives of Perak use
orchids were given preference over Malaysia and Indonesia. The leaves, Spathoglottis plicata BI. for the same
beauty of flowers. There are many flowers, pseudobulbs and the whole condition (Burkill, 1966). Orchids
excellent reviews on the plants are used to treat earache, skin currently used in ethno-medical
ethnobotany/ethnomedical uses of infections, swellings, nervous ailments practices in USA an UK include,
Orchids around the world. People in and cholera (Hu, 1971a). Most of the Arethusa bulbosa L. tuber for toothache
Asiatic tropics use the hot juices from Vanilla sps. which provide one product and tumors (Luer, 1975). Corallorhiza
the roasted fruits of several orchids of current economic use, vanillin. The odontorrhiza for diaphoretic and
to treat ear ache (Lawler 1984). flowers of Vanilla griffithi Rchb. f. is febrifuge in sever illness (Kochmal et
Plocoglottis javanica Bl., Dendrobium used against fever in Malaysia aI., 1971), Cypripedium pubescens
nobile Lindl., Dendrobium chrysanthum (Hawkes, 1944). The sap from the Willd. Root for vermifuge and many
Wall., and Nervilia fordii Schltr., are also leaves and stem is rubbed into the hair other ailments (Hussey, 1974),
used for ear ache and other certain to stimulate growth (Lawler, 1984). Habenaria ciliaris R. Br. Root for
minor ailments (Morrison 1978). Some native tribes of eastern tropics headache (Hamel & Chiltoskey 1975),
Eulophia bacgteri Summerh in West use the juice of Vanda roxburghii and Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz. cure
Africa forms a part of an astringent Gastrodia elata as cure for-aIls (Arditti for gout (Emboden, 1974) and Epipactis
paste used in immobilizing a fracture 1984). Boils, pimples, rashes etc. are gigantea DougI. ex. Hook. roots for
or sprain (Harley 1970). The boiled frequently treated with orchid illness (Duggal, 1972).
root of Habenaria cirrhata Rchb. F. material by many ethnic groups al over
were used for indigestion in East Africa the world (Wealth of India, 1958). In In South America, Chileans found that
(Kokwaro, 1976). Polystachya Eastern Malaya, Dendrobium Spiranthes lucida Ames, is a strong
stauroglossa’ Kraenzl: In Kenya, a purpureum Roxb. and other species diuretic and in certain rural areas of
decoction of the leaves is administered are sued as a poultice for boils (Upgof, South America (Hamel & Chiltoskey,
to a woman before childbirth (Arditti 1959). In Malacca, the whole plant of 1975). Epidendrum bifidum Aubl. is
1984). In South Africa, the tuber of Oberonia anceps Lindl. is crushed and used to eliminate tapeworm and
Saytrium cordifolium Lindl. is mixed used a apoultice for boils (Burkill, other internal parasites (Emboden,
with milk as a vermifuge (Rayer, 1966). Thrixspermum pardale (Ridl.) 1974). In Africa, the Zulus tribe use
1977). In West Indies, an alcoholic Schltr. is used as apoultice for nose an infusion of the roots of Habenaria
tincture of Brassia caudata Lindl. was ulcers (Miller, 1978). In East Africa, cirrhata Rchb. f. and the whole plant
used as an antispasmodic and for the whole plant of Aerangis thomsonii of Ansellia humilis Bull. as an emetic
epilepsy and nervous disorders (Arditti Schltr. is used for abscess and hernia (Kokwaro, 1976). In West Africa, the
1984). North Americans used the (Kokwaro, 1976). The tribes of paste of Eulophia bacteri Summerh. is
tuber of Arethusa bulbosa L. as a Southern Africa used the root of used to immobilize a fracture (Harley
remedy for toothache, swellings, Ceratandra grandiflora Lindl. to correct 1970). Eulophia ensata Lindl. has been
maturating boils and sluggish tumors the placement of fetus (Rayner, 1977). used for babies ailments (Rayner,
(Griffith, 1847; Hawker, 1943; Correl, In Java, a broth results from the boiling 1977). In Northern Rhodesia, the
1950; Luer, 1975) Arethusa bulbosa L. of the plant Acriopsis javanica (Reinw.) broth of leaves and stems of Ansellia

9
humilis Bull. is prescribed for madness orchid species used by the different of Andhra Pradesh Vanda spathulata
and a tribe known as the Pedis use an local tribes viz. Lepcha, Bhutia, Spreng., whole plant powder, is mixed
infusion of Ansellia gigantea Rchb. f. Sherpa, etc. in their daily life for a with sugar and taken internally to cure
to release couching in children. The variety of purposes. Khasim and Rao paralysis (Chandrakumar 1997). Some
Swazi people use Lissochilus krebsii (1999) reported 39 species of scheduled caste communities of
Rchb.f. as a source of medicine for medicinal orchids and their Travancore, Kerala used Vanda
unknown disease in infants. The Sato therapeutic uses. The flowers of tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. Leaf paste to
tribes apply a powder of the burned Cymbidium longifolium D. Don and sprain, lumbago and back pain
tuber of Eulophia flaccida Schltr. to Dendrobium hookerianum Lindl. (Pushpangadan and Atal, 1986). In an
relieve pain in the limbs. They use the flowers used as vegetables (Arora
exploration, Kumar and Sasidharan
bulb of various species of Eulophia as 1981). In Bihar, Habenaria
(1986) identified 13 species of Orchids
ingredients in any medicine given commenlinifolia (Roxb.)Wall. ex Lindl.,
as medicinally important in Kerala.
during a long or severe illness (Arditti the entire plant, is pounded with
1984). Many orchids of ethnomedical Ajowain (Trachyspermum ammi), Pipla They are Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.)
interest in India are reviewed by Paul (Piper longum) and black pepper and Blatt. & McCann., Cymbidium
and Hedge (1998). Hedge and the infusion is given to check nose aloifolium (L.) Sw. Dendrobium ovatum
Ingalhalli (1988) also described the bleeding (Saxena et al. 1981). Sikkim (L.) Kranz., Eulophia epidendraea
medicinal use of many Indian orchids. and Nepali tribals used Luisia (Koenig)Schltr., E. nuda Lindl.,
Handa (1986) also reviewed drugs and trichorrhiza (Hook.) Bl.; and Malaxis Flickingeria macraei (Lindl.,
chemicals in orchids and recorded acuminata D. Don tuber paste is Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Bl., Satyrium
traditional therapeutic use of a applied externally as ointment in nepalense D. Don, Vanda tessellata
number of orchids. Jana et al. (1997) muscular pain, abscess and sores (Jana (Roxb.) Hook., and Vanda spathulata
deals with ethnobotanical notes of 27 et aI., 1997). In Mahabubnagar district (L.) Spreng.

ORCHIDS OF ALIPURDUAR, A SUB-DIVISION OF DISTRICT

JALPAIGURI IN WEST BENGAL
S. P. Vij, Promila Pathak and Anu Dubey
Orchid Laboratory, Botany Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014

The richly forested belt of Alipurduar, Keeping in view of the fast orchids, some were seen growing
a sub-division of district Jalpaiguri in disappearing forest cover and the almost every where including Acampe
Bengal, has a highly varied biodiversity consequent loss of orchid wealth a papillosa, Aerides multiflora, A. fieldingii,
of flora and fauna. Two reserves, study was conducted, during which A. rosea, Arundina graminifolia,
namely, Buxa Tiger Reserve and regular field surveys were undertaken Bulbophyllum crassipes, Cymbidium
Jaldapara forest reserve fall in this sub- for four consecutive years (1999 - aloifolium, C. pendulum, D. aphyllum,
division. This region is home to a large 2001) at Alipurduar, Bhutanghat,
number of orchids. Surprisingly, the Checko, Damanpur, Gadadhar,
orchids of this area have not been Jaldapara, Jayanti, Madarihat, Nimati,
documented properly and very scanty Rajabhatkhawa and Tashigaon.ewith a
information is available on them. view to surveying the area including
the tea gardens so as to find out the
The topography of the region is mainly
different orchids species growing in
plain with slightly undulating land,
the region.
having an average height of 70mts
(above sea level). Major rivers of the During the survey, a total of 34 orchid
region are Torsa, Jaldhaka, Rydak and species were found growing in this
Malangi. The climate of the area is region, these belonged to the genera:
tropical, the average day temperature Acampe (1), Aerides (4), Agrostophyllum
in summers is 32°C and in winters (1), Arundina (1), Bulbophyllum (1),
15°C. August and September are the Cymbidium (2), Dendrobium (10), Eria
hottest months and the region’s (2), Flickingeria (1), Gastrochilus (1),
highest rainfall is normally in the Luisia (1), Oberonia (1), Micropera (1), Some of the orchids growing in their natural
habitat: A, Dendrobium aphullum; B, Eria
month of July. Average rainfall is about Panisea (1), Papilionanthe (1), Pholidota pubescens; C, Dendrobium nobile, D,
410mm. The vegetation here is mainly (1), Rhynchostylis (1), Smitinandia (1), Rhynchostylis retusa; E, D. crepidatum; F, D.
Moist Mixed Deciduous type. Thelasis (1), Thunia (1). Of these lindleyi; G, Dendrobium moschatum.

10
D. crepidatum, D. fimbriatum var. only once or twice e.g. Due to depleting forest cover in this
occulatum, D. moschatum, D. nobile, Agrostophyllum khasianum, area, immediate conservational efforts
D. transparens, Eria pubescens, are required to save these orchids
Dendrobium anceps, D. aduncum, D.
Flickingeria macraei, Luisia trichorhiza, from being lost.However,, the forest
Papilionanthe teres, Pholidota imbricata, lindleyi, E. vittata, Oberonia iridifolia, department has started an orchid
Rhynchostylis retusa and Smitinandia Micropera mannii, Panisea uniflora, nursery at Rajabhatkhawa as an effort
micrantha while a few were sighted Thelasis pygmaea and Thunia alba. to preserve these orchids.

Table 1: Data regarding habit, distribution, flowering period

and biological status of the presently studied orchid species.

Taxon Habit Distribution (altitude) Flowering period Biological status

Acampe papillosa E Buxa Tiger Reserve and October-November VC
surrounding areas (110 - 300m)
Aerides fieldingii E Nimati (200m) March-May -do-
A. multiflora E Along the NH 31 (towards Bhutan, April-May -do-
110 – 300m)
A. odorata E Checko (110m) May-June R
A. rosea* E Gadadhar (110m) (NH 31) April-May VC
Agrostophyllum E Jayanti (200m) August-September -do-
khasianum
Arundina graminifolia T Jayanti (200m) April-September UC
Bulbophyllum crassipes* E Buxa Tiger Reserve and September-October VC
surrounding areas (110 - 300m)
Ceratostylis himalaica E Tashigaon (300m) July-August -do-
Cymbidium aloifolium E Buxa Tiger Reserve and April-May VC
surrounding areas (110 - 950m)
C. pendulum* E South Rajabhatkhawa (250m) May VC
Dendrobium aduncum E Damanpur (110m) May UC
D. anceps E South Rajabhatkhawa (250m) March-April -do-
D. aphyllum E Buxa Tiger Reserve and March-April VC
surrounding areas (110 - 850m)
D. crepidatum E Jayanti (200m) April- May C
D. densiflorum E Jayanti (200m) April- May -do-
D. farmeri E Tashigaon (250m) February-April R
D. fimbriatum var. E Checko (110m) February-April C
occulatum
D. lindleyi E Hasimara (150m) February-April UC
D. moschatum E Buxa Tiger Reserve and surrounding May-July VC
areas (200 – 500m)
D. nobile E Alipurduar (110m), Along the NH 31 March-April C
(towards Bhutan, 110 – 300m)
Eria pubescens E Buxa Tiger Reserve and surrounding April-May VC
areas (110 - 900m)

11
 E. vittata E North Rajabhatkhawa (200m) February-March C
Flickingeria macraei E Tashigaon (250m), Jayanti (200m) August -do-
Gastrochilus inconspicuus E Jayanti (200m) June-July C
Luisia trichorhiza E Buxa Tiger Reserve and surrounding
areas (110 – 500m) March-April VC
Micropera mannii E Jayanti (200m) June-July UC
Oberonia iridifolia E South Rajabhatkhawa (250m) August-November -do-
Panisea uniflora E South Rajabhatkhawa (250m) May -do-
Papilionanthe teres E Buxa Tiger Reserve and
surrounding areas (110 - 500m) May-June VC
Pholidota imbricata E Buxa Tiger Reserve and May-June VC
surrounding areas (110 - 500m)
Rhynchostylis retusa E Buxa Tiger Reserve and May-July VC
surrounding areas (110 - 500m)
Smitinandia micrantha E Buxa Tiger Reserve and April-May -do-
surrounding areas (110 - 500m)
Thelasis pygmea E Tashigaon (250m) August-September R
Thunia alba E Buxa Tiger Reserve and
surrounding areas (110 – 1500m) July R

DACTYLORHIZA HATAGIREA AND NEOTTIA LISTEROIDES IN

SANGLA VALLEY (HIMACHAL HIMALAYAS)
Viraj Man Negi
Department of Forest Products, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,
Nauni-173230, Solan , Himachal Pradesh

Sangla Valley is situated in the tribal March) and summer season (April- Local/ Common name (s):
district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh. August). The extensive field survey Salampanja, Hathpanja, Panja
Sangla Valley starts from Karcham of the entire area of Sangla Valley, Distribution: Occur commonly on
(1800 m above msl) at the confluence starting from lower elevation (1800 moist areas (Sangla Kanda 3450m)
of Baspa river with Satluej and is m) to moving up to higher elevation
extended upto Chhitkul village (3450 (4500 m) above mean sea level during Description: The plant is a terrestrial
m above msl). The study area is year 2003-2005. The voucher orchid with fleshy-tuberous roots.
bounded on the SouthWest by the specimens are deposited in the Stem is usually 30-45 cm tall, leafy and
Dhaula Dhar and on the NorthEast Heabarium of Dr. Y.S. Parmar with a few sheathing scales in the
by the huge Raldang Peak of the great University of Horiticulture and lower position. Flowers are pinl-purple
Himalaya. The climate of the study to dull purple in color, crowded in
Forestry, Nauni-Solan (H.P.) India,
area differs to a great extent than rest terminal. The tubers are slightly
along with collection number. The
of the Kinnaur area, as it receives flattened, palmately lobed, like a hand
paper provides information on the
strong monsoon rains and in winter with fingers open, hence name
orchids of the study area along with
too, the area receives heavy snowfall. ‘Hathpanja’.
their botanical name, family, local/
Based on temperature, rainfall and common name (s), distribution, Flowering/Fruiting: June- July/
snowfall, the climate of Sangla Valley, September-October
description, flowering/fruiting period,
forms an independent niche in Kinnaur
part (s) used and their uses. Parts (s) used: Tuberous root
area and is divided into three distinct
seasons i.e. the rainy season (June – Botanical name: Dactylorhiza Use: Washed, scaled and dried
September), winter season (October- hatagirea (D. Don) Soo. palmate tubers are source of
12
Salampanja of India markets. It is Flowering/Fruiting: August-Septem The orchid Flora of N.W. Himalaya. Print
valued as aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, ber Media Associates, New Delhi, India.
excpectorant and astringent. Infusion Diwakar, P.G. and M.U. Sharief.
The Sangla Valley of tribal District 2003. In search on Botanical Jewels,
of its tubers is used to relieve Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh is a rich published in local Newspaper, The Daily
hoarseness. The tubers yield a lot of repository of natural resources of Telegrams, Port Blair, Andaman and
mucilage and form a jelly with water important threatened medicinal and Nicobar Islands, India.
which is highly nutritious and useful aromatic plants of the Himalayas. The Duthie, J. R. 1906. The Orchids of N.W.
in seminal debility, diarrhoea, orchid Dactylorhiza hatagirea fall under Himalaya. Ann. Royal Bot. Garden, 9: 181-
dysentery and chronic fever. Salep is the critically endangered categories of 11
also used as a sizing material in silk threatened listed as a being important Kaushik, P. 1983. Ecological and
industry (Chauhan, 1990). medicinal plant, we need conservation Anatomical Marvels of the Himalayan
of these plants using modern agro- Orchids. Today and Tommorrow ’s
In local folklores: The fresh or dried Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, India.
tubers are eaten as raw in summer techniques before it is wiped out from
the nature.Earlier both there species Lal Brij, H.R. Negi, R.D. Singh, and
to check the bleeding from nose and P.S. Ahuja. 2004. Medicinal uses of
to increase sexual power. Then tubers have also been recorded from Kinnaur
Dactylorhiza hetagirea among the natives
are also used in diarroea and dysentery. district of Himachal Pradesh of higher altitudes in Western Himalayas.
Paste is applied on bone fractures. (Chowdhery and Wadhwa, 1984). J Orchid Soc. India. 18: 97-100.
Medicinal uses of D. hatagirea were Singh, D. R., R.P. Medhi, and Sujatha
Botanical name: Neottia listeriodes recently reported from cold deserts A. Nair. 2004. Endemic Orchids of Bay
Distribution: Occur in deodar forests of Himachal Pradesh including Islands. 18 (1-2) : 41-45.
(Sapni village 3100m) Yangthag and Pooh regions of Kinnaur Singh, D.R., Sujatha A. Nair, and R.P.
district (Lal et al., 2004). Medhi. 2003. Orchids of Bay islands,
Description: A striking terrestrial Research Bulletin, 14, Director, CARI,
orchid, roots are a dense mass of References
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
fleshy fibres. Leaves reduced to Chauhan, N.S. 1990. Medicinal India.
scales. Flowering stems 15-35 cm, Orchids of Himachal Pradesh. J. Orchid Vij, S.P., I.S. Toor, and Navdeep
Soc. India, Vol. (1-2): 99-105. Shekhar. 1982. Observation on the
brown, glabrous.
Chowdhery, H. J. and B.M. Wadhwa. orchidaceous flora of Shimla and
Flowers: Small, green-brown, 1984. Flora of Himachal Pradesh, Vol. III, adjacent hills in the N.W. Himalaya
glabrous near the base, glandular and BSI Howrah, India. (Ecology and Distribution). Res. Bull. (S.C.)
pubescent upward. Deva, S. and H.B. Naithani. 1986. Panj. University Vol. 3, III-IV: 163-175.

CULTURE NOTE
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CYMBIDIUM HYBRIDS TO SCALE
PINNASPIS BUXI AND MITE TETRANCHUS UTRUCAE
V S Nagrare
National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong-737106, Sikkim, India
Orchids have contributed significantly commercial orchid growers of Sikkim Mite
to the growth and development of and Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
international trade in floriculture. Of Tetranychus utricae: The affected
Each hybrid was checked for presence leaves got weakened and exhibited
theses, cymbidiums rank among top of scales and mites. Infestation if
ten sought after for cut flower severe mottling and wilting. Plants
found, were removed by physical or showed stunted growth and loss of
production in the trade. In India, chemical means. The plants were
Cymbidium cultivation has picked up leaves.
maintained under open polyhouse.
and a variety of cultivars are grown In the present investigation, out of 48
Agronomic practices were followed to
under protected cultivation in Sikkim hybrids studied, more than 90% were
grow and proliferate further. The
where these are highly prone to found to susceptible to scale and mite
infestations by several pests i.e. scale author made several observations at baring to hybrids Madrid “ Forest
(Pinnaspsis buxi) and mite (Tetranychus fortnightly intervals King” and velvet green. Thus these
utricae). Several plants are tested for hybrids may find place in breeding
Symptoms
pest infestation at National Research programme as a parent as well as
Scale
Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim commercial cultivation so that
(1300m: 27o4"-28o 7’ 48" N and 88o Pinnaspis buxi: Yellowish spots on the dependence on the pest control
58"-88o5’25" E longitude). The hybrids leaf, loss of leaves and even death of measures may be minimized, and
of Cymbidium were collected from plant has been observed. these may results into more earnings.
13
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DECLARATION
Published in accordance with Form IV, Rule 8 of the
Registration of Newspaper (Central) Rules, 1956

1. Place of Publication : Orchid Laboratory, Department of Botany,

Panjab University, Chandigarh - 160 014, India
2. Periodicity of publication : Yearly volume (may be issued in two half yearly numbers)
3. Publisher : S P Vij
Nationality : Indian
Address : Department of Botany, Panjab University,
Chandigarh - 160 014, India
([email protected], [email protected])
4. Editors : Promila Pathak and C. Sathish Kumar
5. Name and Address of
individuals who own : The Orchid Society of India (Regd)
the newspaper and Department of Botany, Panjab University,
partners or share holders Chandigarh - 160 014, India
holding more than one per
cent of the total capital
I, Professor S P Vij, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my
knowledge and belief.
Dated : 31 December, 2009 Sd/-
Place : Chandigarh Signature of the Publisher
Printed at St. Joseph’s Press, Thiruvananthapuram - 14

14