Gastrodia indica

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).
Sympodial: Horizontal growth with pseudobulbs (e.g., Cattleya).

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.

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
- Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests
- Himalayan subtropical pine forests
- Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
- Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows

Flora

- Sub-alpine rhododendron forest
- Fir-oak Forest
- Broad-leaved evergreen forest
- Over 740 species of flowers

Notable Bird Species

- Hill partridge
- Satyr tragopan
- Fire-tailed myzornis
- Bar-throated minla
- Red-tailed minla
- Black-eared shrike babbler
- Scaly laughingthrush
- Streak-breasted scimitar babbler
- Rusty-fronted barwing
- Yellow-browed tit
- Red-headed bullfinch
- Crimson-browed finch
- Chestnut-crowned warbler
- Rufous-headed hornbill (endangered)

Notable Mammals

- Barking deer
- Yellow-throated marten
- Himalayan brown bear
- Red panda
- Takin
- Red fox
- Musk deer
- Himalayan striped squirrel
- Royle's pika

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.