01 Dec, 2023
Sikkim, nestled between Nepal, China, and Bhutan, is a haven for over 500 different species of orchids, thriving in its diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to tropical forests.
Botanists George King and Robert Pantling's 1898 masterpiece, "The Orchids of the Sikkim-Himalayas," remains the definitive reference, documenting 449 orchid species with detailed descriptions and illustrations.
The state flower, Dendrobium nobile, and other Sikkim orchids adapt to extreme conditions as epiphytes, enduring drenching rains and dry periods, showcasing nature's resilience.
Another epiphytic wonder, Coelogyne cristata, stores water in pseudobulbs, allowing it to survive the dry season and bloom after monsoon rains, demonstrating nature's strategic adaptations.
Pleione species, like Pleione hookeriana, captivate with terrestrial growth, thriving in higher altitudes and freezing temperatures, a testament to the diverse habitats within Sikkim.
The rare Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, found in precarious locations in Sikkim, faces extinction due to collection by plant hunters, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Victorian botanist John Lindley, the 'Father of Orchid Taxonomy,' described Sikkim's orchids, including those mentioned above, leaving an enduring legacy in orchid research.
Kew Gardens preserves Lindley's orchid collection, contributing to global orchid research and conservation, fostering awareness about the importance of protecting these botanical treasures.