Gastrodia indica : Discovery
A unique orchid species- Gastrodia indica was recently discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim.
- Gastrodia indica is the first orchid from India that never opens its flower.
- The orchid was found at an elevation of 1,950–2,100 metres above sea level.
- This is the first cleistogamous species of the genus Gastrodia discovered from India.
- The Gastrodia genus is known for terrestrial, herbaceous, and holomycotrophic orchids.
- Cleistogamous plants are highly specialized, as they do not depend on external pollinators like insects or wind for reproduction.
- Holomycotrophic species like Gastrodia indica rely entirely on a fungal host for sustenance, lacking chlorophyll and drawing carbon from underground fungi.
- It is morphologically allied to G. exilis & G.dyeriana but critical examination revealed considerable differences in floral morphological characters.
- This new species thrives in dense, rotten leaf litter and is associated with trees such as Magnolia doltsopa, Acer campbelli, and Quercus lamellose.
- The discovery adds to India’s botanical diversity, bringing the total number of Gastrodia species in the country to 10.
- Threats: Gastrodia indica faces potential threats due to its limited population and specific habitat requirements.
