Gastrodia indica
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Context
- Orchids are often celebrated for their vibrant and blooming flowers, symbolizing beauty and elegance in the plant world.
- However, a newly discovered species in India, Gastrodia indica, is breaking this long-standing norm.
A Unique Orchid Species in Sikkim
- Recently discovered in the Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, Gastrodia indica is a unique orchid species that never opens its flower.
- This remarkable finding challenges the typical expectations of what an orchid should be.
Orchid
Category |
Details |
Family Name |
Orchidaceae |
Description |
A diverse family of flowering plants with colourful and fragrant blooms. Found in almost every habitat on Earth except glaciers, with the highest diversity in the tropics. |
Number of Species |
About 28,000 species across 763 genera. |
Percentage of Seed Plants |
Orchidaceae represents 6–11% of all seed plant species. |
Largest Genera |
Bulbophyllum (2,000 species), Epidendrum (1,500 species), Dendrobium (1,400 species), Pleurothallis (1,000 species). |
Notable Genera |
Vanilla, Orchis, Phalaenopsis, Cattleya. Over 100,000 hybrids and cultivars since the 19th century. |
Characteristics |
Bilateral symmetry (zygomorphism), resupinate flowers, highly modified petal (labellum), fused stamens and carpels, extremely small seeds. |
Growth Patterns |
Monopodial: Single bud growth, stems can reach several metres (e.g., Vanda). |
Stem and Roots |
Monopodial orchids grow vertically; sympodial orchids grow horizontally with pseudobulbs. Epiphytic orchids have modified aerial roots with velamen for humidity absorption. |
Pseudobulb |
Thickened base of the stem in sympodial epiphytes, stores nutrients and water. Variable in shape and size. |
Leaves |
Simple with parallel veins, may be ovate, lanceolate, or orbiculate. Thick and leathery for sun-exposed species; long and thin for shade-loving species. Leaves can be ornamental. |
Flowers |
Three sepals, three petals, and a labellum. The labellum attracts insects and may act as a landing stage or trap. Flowers often undergo 180° twisting (resupination). |
Reproduction |
Pollination: Specialized mechanisms; can involve visual, chemical, or mimetic attraction. Self-pollination: Some species rely on self-fertilization. |
Fruits and Seeds |
Capsules dehiscent by longitudinal slits. Seeds are microscopic and numerous. Mycorrhizal fungi are essential for germination. |
Evolution |
Orchids may have originated 76-100 million years ago. Early evidence includes fossilized orchids in Miocene amber. |
Etymology |
The genus name Orchis comes from Greek, meaning "testicle," due to the shape of tubers. The term "orchid" was introduced in 1845. |
Hybrids |
Hybrids are common and often involve complex naming. Nothogenera names are used for hybrids across genera. |
Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary
Category |
Details |
Name |
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary |
Location |
Gangtok district, Sikkim |
Proximity to Gangtok |
Approximately 30 km west of Gangtok |
Adjacent Area |
Contiguous with Khangchendzonga National Park |
Managed by |
State Forest Department |
Hamlets Inside |
Dikchu, Pangthang, Mangan |
Elevation |
Ranges from 1,524 to 2,749 meters (5,000 to 9,019 feet) |
Highest Point |
Tinjure |
Nearby Features |
Gangtok (east), Khangchendzonga National Park (west) |
Rivers |
Tributaries flow into Teesta and Dikchuu rivers |
Ecoregions and Biomes |
- Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands |
Flora |
- Sub-alpine rhododendron forest |
Notable Bird Species |
- Hill partridge |
Notable Mammals |
- Barking deer |
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Recently, Gastrodia indica was in the news. What is it? a)A species of bird found in tropical rainforests. b)A unique orchid species that never opens its flower. c)A type of marine algae known for its bioluminescent properties. d)A rare type of amphibian found in Southeast Asia.
Answer: b) A unique orchid species that never opens its flower and relies on fungi for nutrients. |
SOURCE: eastmojo