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
foliage for ornamentation and land -
scaping besides their importance in
social functions and society rituals.
Prof. R.C. Sobti, Dr. Manju Sharma and Prof. S. P. Vij at the inauguration
The current trends in the trade are
heavily loaded in favour of orchids
because of the exquisite quality of
their blooms, which is appreciated and
revered the world over. Orchids are
also valuable herbs due to their rich
phytochemical contents and are used
to cure a variety of fertility and virility
related problems. Orchid cultivation
has over the years, evolved from a
hobby into a climbing vocation and has
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
based vocations. The Society has

2
 Dr. Manju Sharma
th
decided to celebrate its 25 year of
inception. During the yearlong
celebrations, several activities
including Symposia, Lectures, Training
Programmes and Orchid Shows shall
be organized in different parts of the
country.
The Society recently launched the
Silver Jubilee Year of its inception
by organizing a National Symposium
on Orchids: Science and Art at
Panjab University, Chandigarh. The
participants included leading orchid
scientists, enthusiasts, growers,
entrepreneurs, and policy planners.
Several strategies were discussed for
sustainable development of indigenous
orchid wealth and its utilization in
employment generation particularly
for the unemployed youth
The celebration was launched on
December 16, 2008 at ICSSR
Complex (11.00 a.m.), Panjab
University, Chandigarh wherein Prof
SP Vij, Secretary TOSI had convened
a National Symposium on Orchids:
Science and Art (December 16-17,
2008), based on Invited Lectures. Prof.
Promila Pathak, Department of
Release of Orchid News
Prof. R.C. Sobti
Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Organized the event as Organizing
Secretary. Registration was free of
cost for orchid enthusiasts. Prof RC
Sobti, Vice Chancellor, Panjab
University, Chandigarh Inaugurated
the Symposium on December 16,
2008 at ICSSR Complex (11.00 a.m.),
Panjab University, Chandigarh. Prof.
P. K. Khosla, Former Vice Chancellor,
HPKVV, Palampur and Dr S. Natesh,
Sr Advisor DBT (GOI) joined as
Guests of Honor and Prof. Akhilesh
Tyagi (Molecular Biotechnology with
orchids and other flowers) delivered
Key note Address.
The Symposium had been enriched by
the participation of several
distinguished orchidists including Drs
Manju Sharma, M Sanjappa, Akhilesh
Tyagi, L M S Palni, and K. Natarajan.
Some international delegates including
Drs M. K. Huda and S. K. Bhadra from
Bangladesh had also joined the
celebrations. The deliberations had
explored the different aspects of
orchids including Diversity, Biology,
Improvement, Propagation,
Cultivation and Commercialization.
Felicitating Dr. M. Sanjappa, Director, BSI
3
Prof. P. K. Khosla,
The poster Session and an orchid
exhibition based on orchid cut flowers
and live plants was also the focus of
this two-day endeavor.
The Opening Session was chaired by
Dr. P. K. Hajra. Dr. S. K. Chaturvedi
(Strategies and Adaptation for Pollination
in Some Indigenous Orchids of
Nagaland) and Dr. H. J. Chowdhery
(Orchid Diversity in India) delivered
Lectures. The Session was followed
by Poster Session. The participants
displayed around 25 posters on the
occasion. The Session on Orchid
Resource was chaired and co-chaired
by Dr. L. M. S Palni and Dr. S. S.
Samant, respectively. Dr. M. Sanjappa
delivered a talk on “Orchid Resources
of Botanical Survey of India and Their
Value in Study of Indian Orchids” and
Dr. R. P. Medhi spoke on “Orchid
Research at NRCO -An Overview.
The Session on Orchid Importance
and Propagation was chaired and co-
chaired by Dr C. Sathish Kumar and
Prof. R. K. Bhanwra, respectively. Dr.
H.K. Huda (Ecology and Distribution
Pattern of Epiphytic Orchids in Sylhet
Region of Bangladesh), Dr. B. D.
 Dr. Sobhi inaugurates the Flower Show
Sharma (Medicinal Value of Some
Orchids) and Dr. S. S. Samant
(Research Needs for the Conservation
of Orchid Diversity in the Indian
Himalayan Region) were speakers.
Other speakers who enriched the
deliberations including Prof. L. M. S.
Palni (Diversity, Distribution and
Economic Potential of Orchids for
Sustainable Development of the Indian
Himalayan Region (IHR), Prof. S. P. Vij
(Orchid Cultivation- A Venture climbing
Vocations), Mr K. Natarajan (Challenges
Faced by Orchid Growers in India:
Prof. L. M. S. Palni Prof. Akhilesh Tyagi
Orchid Flowers on Display
Two views of the audience
Recapitulating the Past Decade and
Lessons Learnt), Prof. Promila Pathak
(In Vitro Regeneration Competence of
Orchid Roots), Dr. C. Sathish Kumar
(The Art and Science of Commercial
Orchid Breeding in India), Prof. B. D.
Sharma, Prof. G. S. Rawat (Orchid
Diversity of Mandal Valley of Kedarnath
Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya)
and Dr. Simmi Aggarwal (Mycorrhiza
as a Tool for Conservation of Orchids: A
Case Study for Dactylorhiza hatagirea
(D.Don) Soo.).
Dr S. Natesh
4
Although all the technical session
generated a lot of useful information
for the delegates but the flower show
proved to the sight stealer during both
the days of funtion. Number of exotic
cut flowers and pot plants were on
the display. Although different
varieties of hybrids and species were
on the exhibition but the ambience
created by Dendrobes and
Renentheras stole the the show.
During the wrap up session, the
following recommendations and
Mr. K. Natarajan
 Felicitation of Mr. K. Natarajan
suggestions were finalized, which the
participants felt may be sent to
various planning and funding agencies
for implementation.
Recommendations
 Launch TOSI website highlighting
its activities portfolio and
publications particularly J. Orchid
Soc. India. Dr Raghav (IMTECH)
may be contacted for designing the
website.
 Prepare a biographical database of
Orchid Experts; request financial
support from DBT for the
purpose.
 Hold training programmes in
orchid cultivation especially for the
weaker section of the society, in
different parts of the country.
Initially, such programmes may be
organized at NRCO (Pakyong,
A part of the Flower Show
Felicitation of Dr. Verma
Sikkim); TBGRI (Thiruvanantha-
puram, Kerela); ISBT (Imphal,
Manipur) and TOSI Headquarter
(Chandigarh).
 Plan research programmes for
value addition in the indigenous
orchid resource using both the
conventional breeding and
selective gene transfer techniques.
 Prepare an updated Chromosome
Atlas for orchids.
 Hold an International Conference
on sustainable development of
orchids preferably at Delhi
sometimes in late 2009.
 Request DBT to organize a
Brainstorming Session for orchid
improvement with participation of
growers, entrepreneurs, resear-
chers, and policy planners.
Dr. Sobti, Dr. S.P. Vij & Dr. Manju Sharma in the Show
5
 Project the importance of studies
on reproductive biology, pest and
diseases, mycorrhizal endophytes,
and micropropagation of orchids
with a particular reference to RET
taxa.
 Support of the funding agencies
may also be sought for bio
prospecting and authentic
documentation of folklore
knowledge about therapeutic
importance of orchids
 Institute Silver Jubilee Research
Fellowships (6-8) with financial
support of DBT.
 Organize Annual Orchid Festivals
in collaboration with different
R&D Centers across India by
involving orchid scientists, traders,
enthusiasts, growers, and
photographers.
NEWS FROM DIFFERENT ORCHID CENTRES

Orchid Laboratory, Department of Botany

Panjab University, Chandigarh –160 014

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

Plant Biotechnology Laboratory

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

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

Orchid Laboratory, Department of Botany,

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

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

6
 Botanical Survey of India
Botanical Survey of India, Eastern
Circle, Shillong, is known for its
taxonomic work in orchids of North
Eastern India. The centre has
discovered over one hundred new
species and many new records for
India. During the last five years alone,
the scientists working at this centre
under different action plan of the
Corybas himalaicus (King & Pantl.) Schltr. A
rare, beautiful orchid photograph taken
from Dzuko valley, at the border of Manipur
and Nagaland during plant exploration tour
in July 2007.
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
beautiful of all the flowering plants,
exhibiting a wide range of floral form,
size, colour and texture. Their
perplexing range of floral structure
arouses highest degree of admiration.
They are of immense horticultural
importance and play a useful role in
balancing the forest ecosystem
(Kaushik, 1983). In Andaman and
Nicobar Island, the orchids are
represented by 138 species in 59
genera (Singh, 2005).
The orchids are commonly grown for
cut flower and pot plant production,
but their medicinal utility is also well
documented. It was Theophrastus,
who reported that dried and chopped
Eastern Circle, Shillong
Department have discovered the
following new species, varieties and
new records to Indian Orchid Flora:
1. New genus & species: Penkimia
nagalandensis S. Phukan & N. Odyuo.
2. New species: Agrostophyllum
flavidum Phukan, Armodorum
senapatianum Phukan et Mao,
Coelogyne hajrae Phukan, Eria
glandulifera Deori & Phukan,
Dendrobium numaldeorii C. Deori,
Hynniewta et Phukan, D.
meghalayense C. Deori, Sarma,
Hynniewta et Phukan, D.
arunachalense, C. Deori, Sarma,
Phukan et Mao, Flickingeria
abhaycharanii Phukan et Mao.
3. New variety: Cheirostylis chinensis
Rolfe var. glabra
4. New records for India:
orchid roots were used as anti
depressant and stimulant properties
in Greece and neighboring countries
in Asia Minor. Natives in Africa,
America, Asia, Europe and other
countries of the world also frequently
use orchid as source of medicine.
Indigenous system of medicine
particularly ayurveda has recently
attracted the attention of modern
scientists in identifying appropriate
remedies for many challenging
diseases. Orchids are being used in
this system of medicine for over 3,000
years and some of the common drugs
prepared from these plants are Riddhi,
Vriddhi, Jeevak, Rishabak, Jeevanti,
Munjatak, Amarkand and Rasna.
7
Bulbophyllum ambrosia (Hance) Schltr.,
Cleisostoma duplicilobum, C. rolfeanum
(King & Pantl.) Garay, Dendrobium
dantaniense Guill., D. sociale J.J. Sm.,
D. pychnostachyum Lindl., Eria
sutepensis Rolfe ex Downie, Oberonia
helferi Hook.f., O. teres Kerr, Pleione
saxicola T.Tang & F.T.Wang ex S.C.
Chen, Thrixspermum pauiciflorum
(Hook.f.) Ridl.
Additionally, the Plant Tissue
Laboratory at Eastern Circle, Shillong
is currently propagating some RET
species in vitro such as Bulbophyllum
rothschialdianum, Cymbidium tigrinum,
Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, P. insigne, P.
spicerianum, P. villosum, Renanthera
imschootiana, Vanda coerulea, etc. for
mass multiplication and in vitro
conservation.
(A. A. Mao)
In India, the tribal/aboriginal people
living in remote areas are often cut
off from the main stream of
civilization. A total of 427 tribal
communities live in the Country are
inhabitants of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands Nicobaries, Sentinalies,
Andamanies, Shompen, Onge and
Jarwas. Tribal communities are mainly
the forest dwellers who have
accumulated a rich knowledge on the
uses of various forests and forest
products over the centuries. They
have to depend on the jungles for
their requirement especially for food
and medicines. These people are very
knowledgeable and use the plants in
a different, effective and novel
manner.
In the recent past, it has been
revealed that tribal people traditionally
use plants and plant products for curing
a variety of diseases. They never
disclose the method of treatment
except to very nearer ones and are
very conservative in this regard. It is
thus desirable to leave about their
medicinal practices for the benefit of
common people.
Based on the ethnobotanical studies
and survey it shows that the forest is
quite rich in raw plant resources that
could be easily procured from the
forest without affecting the
biodiversity of local forest resources.
The tribals of Andaman & Nicobar
Islands mostly depend on the forest
resources for their livelihood.
Gathering knowledge about
ethnomedicinal plants, collection,
extraction and marketing may afford
employment opportunity.
The present investigation has been
carried out on indigenous orchids of
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which
are used by the tribal and some
common people of these Islands to
cure several diseases. The plants were
named with their use and photograph.
Dendrobium crumenatum Sw. Swollen
basal pseudobulbs are applied on
forehead to get relieve from severe
headache. Juice of the pseudobulb is
warmed and poured in to ear to
relieve ear ache. To alley body pain
and relieve fever and malaria, rubbing
of a part prepared from its leave with
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
and over 1,00,000 hybrids constitutes
one of the most fascinating families
of the flowering plants, Orchidaceae.
They are generally known for their
beautiful flowers of different shapes,
color and size, and exceptionally long
vase life. There are over 100,000 man
made hybrids which are traded world
over for their beautiful cut flowers.
that of leaves of Melastoma
malabathricume and Ocimum sanctum.
Eria andamanica Hook. f. - The
pseudobulbs are eaten raw or often
roasting by Onges to get relives from
headache.
Eria bractiscens Lindl. -- The leaves
are boiled in water and the extract
thus obtained is used for taking bath
by the patient suffering with fever and
malaria. As an analgesic and febrifuge,
a part of the leaves and coconut oil is
rubbed on the body of children.
Eulophia andamanensis Reichb. f. Onge
eat pseudobulb in fever.
Eulophia nuda Lindl. - In stomach ache
due to food poisoning aqueous solution
of the rhizome is taken by Nicobaries
for causing vomiting.
Pholidota imbricata Lindl. - To get rid
of chest pain, one tea cup of decoction
of the roots is taken by Nicobaries. It
is repeated thrice a day.
Pomatocalpa wendlandorum Reichb. f.
- During fits, the leaf paste boiled in
coconut oil is rubbed on the body by
Nicobaries.
Spathoglottis plicata Bl..- In sever ear
pain, juice of the aerial stem is dropped
into ear by Nicobaries. Also sold as a
potted plant.
The information about ethnobotanical
utility of these plants was mainly
gathered from the local and tribal
people of Andaman & Nicobar
Islands,who mainly dwell in the forests
Besides their ornamental value, many
members of this family have great
medicinal importance and extensively
used in various traditional systems of
medicine. Although there are many
reports on the ethnobotanical/
ethnomedicinal value of Orchid
species in India, however it was the
All India Coordinated Project on
Ethnobiology (AICRPE) launched by
8
for their livelihood and utilize the plant
products for treatment of wounds,
cuts, infections etc. Since the tribes
are cut off from the mainstream and
they don’t have immediate medical
assistance so they need to depend on
natural resource i.e. plants. Slowly by
trial and error methods they
developed perfect methodology for
remedy of disease.
Orchids are used to cure a variety of
ailments like muscular pains, head
ache, bone fracture, general debility,
weakness, including temporary
sterility, to stimulate hair growth to
prevent baldness, as skin rejuvenation
and as health drink. A few species of
orchids have been considered to
induce sterility among women. The
native inhabitant in some areas uses
seeds of Cymbidium species and
pseudobulb of Dendrobium species as
oral contraceptives.
It is the peak time to explore how
the tribes use the plant product for
preparation of ethnomedicine for
ailment of various diseases. So that the
potentiality of indigenous orchid could
reach to the common people.
References
Kaushik, P. 1983. Ecological and
Anatomical Marvels of Himalayan
Orchids. Today and Tomorrow ’s
Printers and Publishers, New Delhi,
India.
Singh, D. R. 2005. Indigenous orchids of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. CARl,
Port Blair, India.
the MoEF from 1982-1998 made a
comprehensive survey of the plant
species including the member of
Orchidaceae for their various
medicinal and other uses.
Orchids for Medicinal Purposes
Orchids are used from time
immemorial by various traditional
communities living in the developing
parts of the world particularly in
tropical and sub-tropical regions. Even
today, many traditional communities
including tribals and villagers use
several species of Orchids to treat a
variety of human ailments. Since the
time of Confucius (551-479 BC),
Orchids have been important in many
facets of Chinese life including
literature, painting and horticulture.
Charaka and Sushruta (1000' BC and
600 BC respectively) have mentioned
the use of many Orchids in Ayurvedic
System of Medicine. The dried
pseudobulbs of orchids are used in
trade in India from time immemorial
(Sarkar & Aggarwal, 1978)· Indeed in
India, the earies.t reference on
Orchids can be found in Atharveda
about the medicinal properties of
orchids were given preference over
beauty of flowers. There are many
excellent reviews on the
ethnobotany/ethnomedical uses of
Orchids around the world. People in
Asiatic tropics use the hot juices from
the roasted fruits of several orchids
to treat ear ache (Lawler 1984).
Plocoglottis javanica Bl., Dendrobium
nobile Lindl., Dendrobium chrysanthum
Wall., and Nervilia fordii Schltr., are also
used for ear ache and other certain
minor ailments (Morrison 1978).
Eulophia bacgteri Summerh in West
Africa forms a part of an astringent
paste used in immobilizing a fracture
or sprain (Harley 1970). The boiled
root of Habenaria cirrhata Rchb. F.
were used for indigestion in East Africa
(Kokwaro, 1976). Polystachya
stauroglossa’ Kraenzl: In Kenya, a
decoction of the leaves is administered
to a woman before childbirth (Arditti
1984). In South Africa, the tuber of
Saytrium cordifolium Lindl. is mixed
with milk as a vermifuge (Rayer,
1977). In West Indies, an alcoholic
tincture of Brassia caudata Lindl. was
used as an antispasmodic and for
epilepsy and nervous disorders (Arditti
1984). North Americans used the
tuber of Arethusa bulbosa L. as a
remedy for toothache, swellings,
maturating boils and sluggish tumors
(Griffith, 1847; Hawker, 1943; Correl,
1950; Luer, 1975) Arethusa bulbosa L.
tubers have also been used to treat
tumors and similar degenerative
diseases (Emboden, 1974). Liparis
treubii J. J. Sm. is used in Asiatic tropics
to treat a distended stomach. People
in this area treat ailments of brain and
nerve with Dendrobium crumenatum
Sw. Dropsy is thought to be cured by
Dendrobium pumilum Roxb. And
headache by leaves of Dendrobium
subulatum Lindl. (Burkill, 1996).
Intestinal conditions and worms
prevalent in the tropics are treated
with Eulophia virens Spreng. and
Grammatophyllum scriptum Bl. (Burkill,
1966). In Java, Corymborkis veratrifolia
(Reinw.) Bl. is used as a febrifuge for
children (Burkill, 1966). There are
many reports of medicinal use of
Dendrobium crumenatum Sw. in
Malaysia and Indonesia. The leaves,
flowers, pseudobulbs and the whole
plants are used to treat earache, skin
infections, swellings, nervous ailments
and cholera (Hu, 1971a). Most of the
Vanilla sps. which provide one product
of current economic use, vanillin. The
flowers of Vanilla griffithi Rchb. f. is
used against fever in Malaysia
(Hawkes, 1944). The sap from the
leaves and stem is rubbed into the hair
to stimulate growth (Lawler, 1984).
Some native tribes of eastern tropics
use the juice of Vanda roxburghii and
Gastrodia elata as cure for-aIls (Arditti
1984). Boils, pimples, rashes etc. are
frequently treated with orchid
material by many ethnic groups al over
the world (Wealth of India, 1958). In
Eastern Malaya, Dendrobium
purpureum Roxb. and other species
are sued as a poultice for boils (Upgof,
1959). In Malacca, the whole plant of
Oberonia anceps Lindl. is crushed and
used a apoultice for boils (Burkill,
1966). Thrixspermum pardale (Ridl.)
Schltr. is used as apoultice for nose
ulcers (Miller, 1978). In East Africa,
the whole plant of Aerangis thomsonii
Schltr. is used for abscess and hernia
(Kokwaro, 1976). The tribes of
Southern Africa used the root of
Ceratandra grandiflora Lindl. to correct
the placement of fetus (Rayner, 1977).
In Java, a broth results from the boiling
of the plant Acriopsis javanica (Reinw.)
9
ex. Bl. is administered for fever
(Burkill, 1966). Corymborkis veratrifolia
(Reinw.) Bl. leaves are used to induce
vomiting to break the fever (Miller,
1978). A decoction of Tropidia
curculigoides Lindl. is boiled with a
species of Ardisia and used to treat
malaria (Gimlette & Thomson, 1971).
Diarrhea is treated with a broth made
from the roots of Tropidia curculigoides
Lindl. and a broth prepared by boiling
Eria pannea Lindl. is used a cure for
malaria like fever (Burkill, 1966). The
juice of Macodes petola Lindl. is
sometimes dropped into the eye and
is said to increase proficiency in the
art of writing (Usher, 1974). In Vanda
hookeriana Rchb. hot leaves are used
as apoultice (Gimlette & Thomson,
1971). Natives of Perak use
Spathoglottis plicata BI. for the same
condition (Burkill, 1966). Orchids
currently used in ethno-medical
practices in USA an UK include,
Arethusa bulbosa L. tuber for toothache
and tumors (Luer, 1975). Corallorhiza
odontorrhiza for diaphoretic and
febrifuge in sever illness (Kochmal et
aI., 1971), Cypripedium pubescens
Willd. Root for vermifuge and many
other ailments (Hussey, 1974),
Habenaria ciliaris R. Br. Root for
headache (Hamel & Chiltoskey 1975),
Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz. cure
for gout (Emboden, 1974) and Epipactis
gigantea DougI. ex. Hook. roots for
illness (Duggal, 1972).
In South America, Chileans found that
Spiranthes lucida Ames, is a strong
diuretic and in certain rural areas of
South America (Hamel & Chiltoskey,
1975). Epidendrum bifidum Aubl. is
used to eliminate tapeworm and
other internal parasites (Emboden,
1974). In Africa, the Zulus tribe use
an infusion of the roots of Habenaria
cirrhata Rchb. f. and the whole plant
of Ansellia humilis Bull. as an emetic
(Kokwaro, 1976). In West Africa, the
paste of Eulophia bacteri Summerh. is
used to immobilize a fracture (Harley
1970). Eulophia ensata Lindl. has been
used for babies ailments (Rayner,
1977). In Northern Rhodesia, the
broth of leaves and stems of Ansellia
humilis Bull. is prescribed for madness
and a tribe known as the Pedis use an
infusion of Ansellia gigantea Rchb. f.
to release couching in children. The
Swazi people use Lissochilus krebsii
Rchb.f. as a source of medicine for
unknown disease in infants. The Sato
tribes apply a powder of the burned
tuber of Eulophia flaccida Schltr. to
relieve pain in the limbs. They use the
bulb of various species of Eulophia as
ingredients in any medicine given
during a long or severe illness (Arditti
1984). Many orchids of ethnomedical
interest in India are reviewed by Paul
and Hedge (1998). Hedge and
Ingalhalli (1988) also described the
medicinal use of many Indian orchids.
Handa (1986) also reviewed drugs and
chemicals in orchids and recorded
traditional therapeutic use of a
number of orchids. Jana et al. (1997)
deals with ethnobotanical notes of 27
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,
a sub-division of district Jalpaiguri in
Bengal, has a highly varied biodiversity
of flora and fauna. Two reserves,
namely, Buxa Tiger Reserve and
Jaldapara forest reserve fall in this sub-
division. This region is home to a large
number of orchids. Surprisingly, the
orchids of this area have not been
documented properly and very scanty
information is available on them.
The topography of the region is mainly
plain with slightly undulating land,
having an average height of 70mts
(above sea level). Major rivers of the
region are Torsa, Jaldhaka, Rydak and
Malangi. The climate of the area is
tropical, the average day temperature
in summers is 32°C and in winters
15°C. August and September are the
hottest months and the region’s
highest rainfall is normally in the
month of July. Average rainfall is about
410mm. The vegetation here is mainly
Moist Mixed Deciduous type.
orchid species used by the different
local tribes viz. Lepcha, Bhutia,
Sherpa, etc. in their daily life for a
variety of purposes. Khasim and Rao
(1999) reported 39 species of
medicinal orchids and their
therapeutic uses. The flowers of
Cymbidium longifolium D. Don and
Dendrobium hookerianum Lindl.
flowers used as vegetables (Arora
1981). In Bihar, Habenaria
commenlinifolia (Roxb.)Wall. ex Lindl.,
the entire plant, is pounded with
Ajowain (Trachyspermum ammi), Pipla
(Piper longum) and black pepper and
the infusion is given to check nose
bleeding (Saxena et al. 1981). Sikkim
and Nepali tribals used Luisia
trichorrhiza (Hook.) Bl.; and Malaxis
acuminata D. Don tuber paste is
applied externally as ointment in
muscular pain, abscess and sores (Jana
et aI., 1997). In Mahabubnagar district
Keeping in view of the fast
disappearing forest cover and the
consequent loss of orchid wealth a
study was conducted, during which
regular field surveys were undertaken
for four consecutive years (1999 -
2001) at Alipurduar, Bhutanghat,
Checko, Damanpur, Gadadhar,
Jaldapara, Jayanti, Madarihat, Nimati,
Rajabhatkhawa and Tashigaon.ewith a
view to surveying the area including
the tea gardens so as to find out the
different orchids species growing in
the region.
During the survey, a total of 34 orchid
species were found growing in this
region, these belonged to the genera:
Acampe (1), Aerides (4), Agrostophyllum
(1), Arundina (1), Bulbophyllum (1),
Cymbidium (2), Dendrobium (10), Eria
(2), Flickingeria (1), Gastrochilus (1),
Luisia (1), Oberonia (1), Micropera (1),
Panisea (1), Papilionanthe (1), Pholidota
(1), Rhynchostylis (1), Smitinandia (1),
Thelasis (1), Thunia (1). Of these
10
of Andhra Pradesh Vanda spathulata
Spreng., whole plant powder, is mixed
with sugar and taken internally to cure
paralysis (Chandrakumar 1997). Some
scheduled caste communities of
Travancore, Kerala used Vanda
tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. Leaf paste to
sprain, lumbago and back pain
(Pushpangadan and Atal, 1986). In an
exploration, Kumar and Sasidharan
(1986) identified 13 species of Orchids
as medicinally important in Kerala.
They are Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.)
Blatt. & McCann., Cymbidium
aloifolium (L.) Sw. Dendrobium ovatum
(L.) Kranz., Eulophia epidendraea
(Koenig)Schltr., E. nuda Lindl.,
Flickingeria macraei (Lindl.,
Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Bl., Satyrium
nepalense D. Don, Vanda tessellata
(Roxb.) Hook., and Vanda spathulata
(L.) Spreng.
orchids, some were seen growing
almost every where including Acampe
papillosa, Aerides multiflora, A. fieldingii,
A. rosea, Arundina graminifolia,
Bulbophyllum crassipes, Cymbidium
aloifolium, C. pendulum, D. aphyllum,
Some of the orchids growing in their natural
habitat: A, Dendrobium aphullum; B, Eria
pubescens; C, Dendrobium nobile, D,
Rhynchostylis retusa; E, D. crepidatum; F, D.
lindleyi; G, Dendrobium moschatum.
D. crepidatum, D. fimbriatum var.
occulatum, D. moschatum, D. nobile,
D. transparens, Eria pubescens,
Flickingeria macraei, Luisia trichorhiza,
Papilionanthe teres, Pholidota imbricata,
Rhynchostylis retusa and Smitinandia
micrantha while a few were sighted
only once or twice e.g.
Agrostophyllum khasianum,
Dendrobium anceps, D. aduncum, D.
lindleyi, E. vittata, Oberonia iridifolia,
Micropera mannii, Panisea uniflora,
Thelasis pygmaea and Thunia alba.
Due to depleting forest cover in this
area, immediate conservational efforts
are required to save these orchids
from being lost.However,, the forest
department has started an orchid
nursery at Rajabhatkhawa as an effort
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
district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh.
Sangla Valley starts from Karcham
(1800 m above msl) at the confluence
of Baspa river with Satluej and is
extended upto Chhitkul village (3450
m above msl). The study area is
bounded on the SouthWest by the
Dhaula Dhar and on the NorthEast
by the huge Raldang Peak of the great
Himalaya. The climate of the study
area differs to a great extent than rest
of the Kinnaur area, as it receives
strong monsoon rains and in winter
too, the area receives heavy snowfall.
Based on temperature, rainfall and
snowfall, the climate of Sangla Valley,
forms an independent niche in Kinnaur
area and is divided into three distinct
seasons i.e. the rainy season (June –
September), winter season (October-
March) and summer season (April-
August). The extensive field survey
of the entire area of Sangla Valley,
starting from lower elevation (1800
m) to moving up to higher elevation
(4500 m) above mean sea level during
year 2003-2005. The voucher
specimens are deposited in the
Heabarium of Dr. Y.S. Parmar
University of Horiticulture and
Forestry, Nauni-Solan (H.P.) India,
along with collection number. The
paper provides information on the
orchids of the study area along with
their botanical name, family, local/
common name (s), distribution,
description, flowering/fruiting period,
part (s) used and their uses.
Botanical name: Dactylorhiza
hatagirea (D. Don) Soo.
12
Local/ Common name (s):
Salampanja, Hathpanja, Panja
Distribution: Occur commonly on
moist areas (Sangla Kanda 3450m)
Description: The plant is a terrestrial
orchid with fleshy-tuberous roots.
Stem is usually 30-45 cm tall, leafy and
with a few sheathing scales in the
lower position. Flowers are pinl-purple
to dull purple in color, crowded in
terminal. The tubers are slightly
flattened, palmately lobed, like a hand
with fingers open, hence name
‘Hathpanja’.
Flowering/Fruiting: June- July/
September-October
Parts (s) used: Tuberous root
Use: Washed, scaled and dried
palmate tubers are source of
Salampanja of India markets. It is
valued as aphrodisiac, nervine tonic,
excpectorant and astringent. Infusion
of its tubers is used to relieve
hoarseness. The tubers yield a lot of
mucilage and form a jelly with water
which is highly nutritious and useful
in seminal debility, diarrhoea,
dysentery and chronic fever. Salep is
also used as a sizing material in silk
industry (Chauhan, 1990).
In local folklores: The fresh or dried
tubers are eaten as raw in summer
to check the bleeding from nose and
to increase sexual power. Then tubers
are also used in diarroea and dysentery.
Paste is applied on bone fractures.
Botanical name: Neottia listeriodes
Distribution: Occur in deodar forests
(Sapni village 3100m)
Description: A striking terrestrial
orchid, roots are a dense mass of
fleshy fibres. Leaves reduced to
scales. Flowering stems 15-35 cm,
brown, glabrous.
Flowers: Small, green-brown,
glabrous near the base, glandular and
pubescent upward.
CULTURE NOTE
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CYMBIDIUM HYBRIDS TO SCALE
PINNASPIS BUXI AND MITE TETRANCHUS UTRUCAE
National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong-737106, Sikkim, India
Orchids have contributed significantly
to the growth and development of
international trade in floriculture. Of
theses, cymbidiums rank among top
ten sought after for cut flower
production in the trade. In India,
Cymbidium cultivation has picked up
and a variety of cultivars are grown
under protected cultivation in Sikkim
where these are highly prone to
infestations by several pests i.e. scale
(Pinnaspsis buxi) and mite (Tetranychus
utricae). Several plants are tested for
pest infestation at National Research
Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim
(1300m: 27o4"-28o 7’ 48" N and 88o
58"-88o5’25" E longitude). The hybrids
of Cymbidium were collected from
Flowering/Fruiting: August-Septem
ber
The Sangla Valley of tribal District
Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh is a rich
repository of natural resources of
important threatened medicinal and
aromatic plants of the Himalayas. The
orchid Dactylorhiza hatagirea fall under
the critically endangered categories of
threatened listed as a being important
medicinal plant, we need conservation
of these plants using modern agro-
techniques before it is wiped out from
the nature.Earlier both there species
have also been recorded from Kinnaur
district of Himachal Pradesh
(Chowdhery and Wadhwa, 1984).
Medicinal uses of D. hatagirea were
recently reported from cold deserts
of Himachal Pradesh including
Yangthag and Pooh regions of Kinnaur
district (Lal et al., 2004).
References
Chauhan, N.S. 1990. Medicinal
Orchids of Himachal Pradesh. J. Orchid
Soc. India, Vol. (1-2): 99-105.
Chowdhery, H. J. and B.M. Wadhwa.
1984. Flora of Himachal Pradesh, Vol. III,
BSI Howrah, India.
Deva, S. and H.B. Naithani. 1986.
V S Nagrare
commercial orchid growers of Sikkim
and Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
Each hybrid was checked for presence
of scales and mites. Infestation if
found, were removed by physical or
chemical means. The plants were
maintained under open polyhouse.
Agronomic practices were followed to
grow and proliferate further. The
author made several observations at
fortnightly intervals
Symptoms
Scale
Pinnaspis buxi: Yellowish spots on the
leaf, loss of leaves and even death of
plant has been observed.
13
The orchid Flora of N.W. Himalaya. Print
Media Associates, New Delhi, India.
Diwakar, P.G. and M.U. Sharief.
2003. In search on Botanical Jewels,
published in local Newspaper, The Daily
Telegrams, Port Blair, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, India.
Duthie, J. R. 1906. The Orchids of N.W.
Himalaya. Ann. Royal Bot. Garden, 9: 181-
11
Kaushik, P. 1983. Ecological and
Anatomical Marvels of the Himalayan
Orchids. Today and Tommorrow ’s
Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, India.
Lal Brij, H.R. Negi, R.D. Singh, and
P.S. Ahuja. 2004. Medicinal uses of
Dactylorhiza hetagirea among the natives
of higher altitudes in Western Himalayas.
J Orchid Soc. India. 18: 97-100.
Singh, D. R., R.P. Medhi, and Sujatha
A. Nair. 2004. Endemic Orchids of Bay
Islands. 18 (1-2) : 41-45.
Singh, D.R., Sujatha A. Nair, and R.P.
Medhi. 2003. Orchids of Bay islands,
Research Bulletin, 14, Director, CARI,
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
India.
Vij, S.P., I.S. Toor, and Navdeep
Shekhar. 1982. Observation on the
orchidaceous flora of Shimla and
adjacent hills in the N.W. Himalaya
(Ecology and Distribution). Res. Bull. (S.C.)
Panj. University Vol. 3, III-IV: 163-175.
Mite
Tetranychus utricae: The affected
leaves got weakened and exhibited
severe mottling and wilting. Plants
showed stunted growth and loss of
leaves.
In the present investigation, out of 48
hybrids studied, more than 90% were
found to susceptible to scale and mite
baring to hybrids Madrid “ Forest
King” and velvet green. Thus these
hybrids may find place in breeding
programme as a parent as well as
commercial cultivation so that
dependence on the pest control
measures may be minimized, and
these may results into more earnings.
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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)
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Nationality : Indian
Address : Department of Botany, Panjab University,
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(spvij1@rediffmail.com, spvij1@yahoo.com)
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
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I, Professor S P Vij, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my
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Dated : 31 December, 2009 Sd/-
Place : Chandigarh Signature of the Publisher
Printed at St. Joseph’s Press, Thiruvananthapuram - 14

14