Survey and Enumeration of Orchids in Jajarkot District, Nepal

Survey and Enumeration of Orchids in Jajarkot District

A Report Submitted To

District Forest Office

Jajarkot

Submitted By

Dipesh Pyakurel and Khilendra Gurung June, 2010

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to acknowledge Mr. Devendra Lal Karna, District Forest Officer Jajarkot, for his support for this study. We are thankful to Mr. Jiya Lal Yadav and Mr. Uttim Sahu Teli, Assistant Forest Officers, Mr. Lok Mani Sapkota, Megh Raj Paudel, Ashok Khatri; Rangers, Mr. Rishav Dev Khanal and other staffs of District Forest Office, Jajarkot for their coordination, facilitation and cooperation to carry out this work.

We are also grateful to Mr. Prakash Shahi; Secretary Local Development Fund Board, Jajarkot, Mr. Uday Rana, Accountant LDFB and Suraj Niraula, Ranger LDFB for their suggestions.

We would also like to thank Mr. Ganesh Bahadur Karki; Forest Guard, DFO Jajarkot for assisting us in field trip.

Lastly, we would like to thank residents of 14 VDCs of Jajarkot who supported us during the field work.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE 1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Objectives 2

1.3 Limitations of the Study 2

CHAPTER TWO 2.1 Study Area 3

2.2 Material and Methods 4

2.2.1 Data Collection 4

2.2.2 Identification of Orchid Species 4

2.2.3 Identification of Orchid Hotspot 4

2.2.4 Identification of Host of Orchids 4

2.2.5 Stock Estimation of Valuable Orchids 5

2.2.5.1 Abundance 5

2.2.5.2 Current Stock of Valuable Orchids 5

2.3 Assessment of Threats 5

2.4 Organization of Interaction Program with Stakeholders 6

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 Distribution of Orchids in Jajarkot 7

3.2 Habitat of Orchids 12

3.2.1 Host of Orchids 12

3.3 Orchid Hotspots in Jajarkot 17

3.4 Enumeration of Recorded Orchids of Jajarkot District 19

3.5 Current Stock of Valuable Orchids of Jajarkot District 33

3.6 Uses of Orchids 35

3.6.1 Medicinal Uses of Orchids 36

3.7 Assessment of Threat 37

3.7.1 Legal and Conservation Gaps 37

3.8 Conservation Strategies 37

3.8.1 Goals and strategic directions 38

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Conclusion 41

4.2 Recommendations 42

REFERENCES 43

Lists of Tables

Table 1: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of eastern cluster of Jajarkot

District 7

Table 2: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of western cluster of Jajarkot

District 8

Table 3: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of northern cluster of Jajarkot

District 9

Table 4: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of southern cluster of Jajarkot

District 10

Table 5: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of middle cluster of Jajarkot

District 11

Table 6: Hosts of orchids in Jajarkot district 12

Table 7: Locations of orchid hotspots in the surveyed VDCs of Jajarkot district 17

Table 8: Abundance and current stock of valuable orchids of Jajarkot district 34

Table 9: Traditional uses of orchids 36

Lists of Maps

Map of Orchid surveyed VDCs of Jajarkot District 3

Map of Orchid hotspots of Jajarkot District 18

1

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

Orchids (Nepali name: Sunakhari, Sungava, Jivanti) belonging to Orchidaceae family,

are one of the largest families of flowering plants comprising of 363 species

organized into 97 genera in Nepal (Rajbhandari and Bhattarai, 2001). Orchids are

notably diversified in the moist tropics of both hemispheres in which majority are

epiphytes in forests. Most of the temperate and almost all of the alpine genera are

terrestrial, while some are lithophytes.

The first systematic orchids’ collection in Nepal was done by Hamilton in 1802

followed by Wallich in 1820, mainly from Kathmandu valley (Rajbhandari, 1976) and

their collections were studied by David Don in 1825-26. Hara et al. (1978), Banerji

(1978) and Banerji and Pradhan (1984) have given list and descriptions of orchids of

Nepal. Till then, several orchids new to Nepal have been reported by DuPuy and

Cribb (1988), Cribb and Tang (1983), Wood (1986, 1989), Bajracharya et al. (1993),

Bania et al. (1993), Pearce and Cribb (1996), Rajbhandari and Bhattarai (1995-96),

Rajbhandari et al. (1997, 1998), Shakya and Bania (1998); Shakya and Chaudhary

(1999), Shakya (2000), Rajbhandari and Bhattarai (2001), Milleville and Shrestha

(2004), Pyakurel and Gurung (2008).

Orchids are mostly perennial (or rarely annual), epiphytic, terrestrial or lithophytic

herbs with root having multi-layered spongy tissue. They are capable of absorbing

and storing considerable quantity of moisture. In terrestrial species, the roots are

often swollen into tubers or stems from corms or rhizomes. Stems of epiphytic

species are often thickened to form a pseudo-bulb with adventitious roots. Two

types of growth habit are found in orchids: sympodial and monopodial. In sympodial

plants the shoots are clustered together or spread out on a long rhizome and new

shoots may arise from any part of the older shoots where there is an auxiliary bud.

In monopodial plants the shoots have the potential for indefinite apical growth.

Habitat loss, forest destruction and degradation and over exploitation has posed

threats to the conservation of orchids in Nepal. Detailed studies to understand the

conservation status of orchids of Nepal are still lacking. It is considered that many

orchid species of Nepal are at the threatened stage now.

2

Owing to the geographical variations and climatic conditions of Jajarkot district, it is

estimated that many species of orchids are distributed in the district. But, the

enumeration of orchid species, their status, hotspot mapping and the species that

are in trade has not been assessed in the district to till date.

On the basis of this background, District Forest Office (DFO), Jajarkot and Western

Upland Poverty Alleviation Project (WUPAP) aimed to carry out the detail survey and

enumeration of orchids in the district. Therefore, a team of two botanists conducted

a study on 15 VDCs of Jajarkot district.

1.2 Objectives

The present study aims to assess the distribution of orchids in different habitats and

enumerate the orchid species of Jajarkot district. The specific objectives are as

follows:

1. To identify the orchid hotspots in the selected VDCs of Jajarkot district

2. To enumerate the orchid species distributed in the selected VDCs

3. To estimate the current stock of valuable orchids in the selected VDCs

4. To assess the threat and formulate the conservation strategies of orchids in

Jajarkot district

1.3 Limitations of the Study

Many epiphytic orchids flower during September-October and terrestrial orchids

flower during July-August. However, the field survey was conducted during May-

June. Thus few orchids without flower were not identified.

Further, due to the limited time frame, 15 VDCs out of 30 were surveyed. Only three

species of orchids were considered valuable in Jajarkot and therefore, the current

stock was calculated for those three species only.

3

CHAPTER TWO 2.1 Study Area Altogether 15 VDCs were selected for the survey of Orchids in Jajarkot district on the basis of altitudinal variation, forest and vegetation types and in consultation with DFO. The study area is categorized into 5 clusters as follows:

1. Eastern cluster: Khagenkot, Ragda and Bhagawati VDCs 2. Western cluster: Garkhakot, Majhkot, Kortang and Dashera VDCs 3. Northern cluster: Ramidanda, Rokayagaun and Paink VDCs 4. Southern cluster: Sima and Bhur VDCs and 5. Middle cluster: Khalanga, Dhime, Talegaun VDCs

4

2.2 Material and Methods

2.2.1 Data Collection

The primary data were collected using different tools like observation, measurement,

interviews, consultation with key informants and other relevant PRA tools. DFO

staffs, herbs traders, and Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) were the main

key informants. Verbal open ended questions were asked for the interview and

discussions. The secondary information was collected from orchid’s related

publications, research papers, DFO documents and other relevant documents as per

necessity. The secondary data were collected for the verification of primary data and

additional information as well.

2.2.2 Identification of Orchid Species

Observed orchids were identified visually on the basis of researchers’ knowledge and

expertise. Unidentified species were collected and identified consulting with the

reference literatures as Stainton and Polunin (1984); Stainton (1988); Rajbhandari

and Bhattarai (2001); Milleville and Shrestha (2004) and Pyakurel and Gurung

(2008). Enumerations of all available orchids were carried out according to Press et al. (2000), Rajbhandari and Bhattarai (2001) and Pyakurel and Gurung (2008).

2.2.3 Identification of Orchid Hotspot

Orchids sampling and observation were conducted in defined habitats. The

identification of orchid’s hotspots was done systematically by observing abundance,

habitat, forest types, moisture, altitude and aspects. GPS coordinates data were

recorded to locate the hotspots of orchid in their specific habitats.

2.2.4 Identification of Host of Orchids

The plant species where the orchid species grows were identified on the basis of

researcher’s knowledge and consultation with relevant literatures.

5

2.2.5 Stock Estimation of Valuable Orchids

2.2.5.1 Abundance

Abundance of particular species is defined as the number of species “A” found in all

plots to the total area of the plots per hectare. The calculation was done using the

following formula as given by Zobel et al. (1987):

10000quadrat of area studiedquadrat ofnumber Total

speciesany ofplant ofnumber TotalPl/ha Abundance ××

=

For orchid species, the following steps were carried out in the field to find out the

abundance.

1. Number of patches of orchids will be counted for each host

2. Number of individual orchid (of each species) will be counted in a patch

2.2.5.2 Current Stock of Valuable Orchids

Valuable orchid species were collected from the study sites in patches. Number of

individuals in each patch was counted. Fresh weight of bulb of each species was

taken in the field with the help of balance. The bulb was then sun dried for about 15

days according to the nature of orchids and dry weight of each bulb was taken using

digital balance. Finally total stock of valuable orchid species per hectare were

calculated. The total stocks of the valuable orchids were estimated on the basis of

the area covered by specific vegetation types of the studied VDCs as provided by

DFO, Jajarkot.

2.3 Assessment of Threats

The threats assessment of orchids was done by:

1. Observation and assessment of orchids habitat destruction

2. Assessment of awareness and knowledge on the importance of orchids among

the FUGs and communities

3. Assessment of the orchids exploitation in the district

Numbers of orchids in a plot were calculated with the help of following steps:

1. Average number of orchid was counted in each patch

2. Total number of patches of "Species A" were counted in each quadrat

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2.4 Organization of Interaction Program with Stakeholders

A half day interaction program was organized at DFO hall for the dissemination of

findings from the field study with concerned stakeholders. The input of the

interaction was incorporated in this report.

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CHAPTER THREE

3.1 Distribution of Orchids in Jajarkot

Epiphytic orchids were recorded in between 600m (Sima VDC) to 2300m (Paink

VDC) of Jajarkot district. Similarly, terrestrial orchids were distributed at the range of

2000m-3600m and lithophytic orchids were found in between the altitude of 900m-

3000m in the studied VDCs.

Altogether 39 species of orchids were recorded and identified in the studied 15 VDCs

of Jajarkot district in which 24 species were epiphytic, 11 species as terrestrial and 4

species as lithophytic. Similarly, 38 species were identified up to species level, and

remaining one species was identified up to genetic level. List of orchids with color

plate is given in Annex 1. The cluster wise lists of recorded orchids are given in

Table 1-5.

Table 1: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of eastern cluster of Jajarkot district

SN

Name of VDCs

Recorded orchid species Most abundant orchids

1 Khagenkot Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium lanceum, Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

racemiferum, Coelogyne

cristata, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

2 Ragda Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum,

Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium

aphyllum, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata


racemiferum, Oberonia

acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa

3 Bhagwati Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum,

Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis,

8

Rhynchostylis retusa

Table 2: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of western cluster of Jajarkot district

SN

Name of VDCs


1 Garkhakot Brachycorythis obcordata, Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Calanthe tricarinata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium iridioides, Cypripedium himalaicum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Epigeneium amplum, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium lanceum, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia acaulis, Satyrium nepalense, Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda cristata

Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium

heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda

cristata

2 Majhkot Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum,

Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne

cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Dendrobium

aphyllum, Dendrobium

bicameratum, Dendrobium

denudans, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

Aerides multiflora, Cleisostema racemiferum,

Coelogyne flaccida, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

3 Kortang Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium

Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Kingidium taenialis, Vanda

9

bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

cristata

4 Dashera Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

Aerides multiflora, Cleisostema racemiferum,

Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Kingidium taenialis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

Table 3: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of northern cluster of Jajarkot district

SN

Name of VDCs


1 Ramidanda Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe tricarinata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium lanceum, Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia acaulis, Satyrium nepalense, Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda cristata

Calanthe tricarinata, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Vanda cristata

2 Rokayagaun Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe

tricarinata, Cleisostema racemiferum,

Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne

cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium

longicornu, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium lanceum, Kingidium

taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia

acaulis, Pleione hookeriana, Pleione

Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium

bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda

cristata

10

praecox, Satyrium nepalense,

Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda cristata

3 Paink Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe tricarinata, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cypripedium himalaicum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Habenaria arietina, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium lanceum, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia acaulis, Pleione hookeriana, Pleione praecox, Satyrium nepalense, Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda cristata

Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium

bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda

cristata

Table 4: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of southern cluster of Jajarkot district

SN

Name of VDCs


1 Sima Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

Aerides multiflora, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

2 Bhur Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne

cristata, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp,

Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

Aerides multiflora, Cleisostema

racemiferum, Oberonia

acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

11

Table 5: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of middle cluster of Jajarkot district

SN

Name of VDCs


1 Khalanga Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Brachycorythis obcordata, Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata


racemiferum, Coelogyne

corymbosa, Coelogyne

cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne

ovalis, Dendrobium

aphyllum, Dendrobium

bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

2 Dhime Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe

tricarinata, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium

bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium

lanceum, Malaxis muscifera, Satyrium nepalense, Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda

cristata

Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Vanda cristata

3 Talegaun Brachycorythis obcordata, Cleisostema

racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium

aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium lanceum, Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia acaulis, Satyrium nepalense,

Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda cristata

Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Vanda cristata

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3.2 Habitat of Orchids

The altitude range between 800-2,300m of the studied VDCs harbors the highest

number of epiphytic orchid species in Jajarkot district. The forest and vegetation

types comprise: Sal forest, Engelhardia - Rhododendron - Oak forest and

Rhododendron – Lyonia – Myrica - Oak forest. Few terrestrial orchid species grow on

meadows and underlying forest covers ranging from sub-tropical to sub-alpine

regions in studied VDCs. The suitability of luxuriant growth of epiphytic orchids in

the studied VDCs is due to the moisture rich mossy habitat as a result of high cloud

formation.

Typically, the mid altitudes benefit from a ‘cloud bath’ twice daily by the rising and

falling cloud line. As a result of such a daily weather cycle in the mid-hills, the

medium bark of trees or shrubs decompose so quickly into anaerobic sludge

combined with lots of air movement and strong light seems to make orchids as

sturdy and resilient.

3.2.1 Host of Orchids

Most of the orchid species were found growing in Angeri (Lyonia ovalifolia), Banjh

(Quercus leucotrichophora), Lali Gurans (Rhododendron arboreum), Kaphal (Myrica esculenta), Mauwa (Engelhardia spicata) and Utis (Alnus nepalensis) in sub-tropical

and temperate regions. Similarly, Chiuri (Diploknema butyracea), Sal (Shorea robusta), Khirro (Sapium insigne) and Sindure (Mallotus philippensis) host majority

of orchid species in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the studied VDCs of Jajarkot

district. The lists of hosts along with epiphytic, terrestrial and lithophytic orchids are

presented in Table 6.

Table 6: Hosts of orchids in Jajarkot district

SN Hosts of orchids Orchid species

1 Angeri (Lyonia ovalifolia)

Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Epigeneium amplum,

13

Gastrochilus calceolaris, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Vanda cristata

2 Asna (Terminalia alata)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

3 Bael (Aegle marmelos)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa

4 Banjh (Quercus leucotrichophora)

Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium longicornu, Epigeneium amplum, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia sp, Vanda cristata

5 Bhalayo (Rhus wallichii)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne ovalis, Dendrobium aphyllum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

6 Bot dhanyero (Lagerstroemia parviflora)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

7 Chiuri (Diploknema butyracea)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Epigeneium amplum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

8 Hade bayer (Ziziphus incurva)

Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Vanda cristata

14

9 Jamun (Syzygium cumini)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

10 Jhingane (Eurya acuminata)

Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Vanda cristata

11 Kadam

(Anthocephalus chinensis)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

12 Kaphal (Myrica esculenta)

Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

13 Kaulo (Persea odorattissima)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Vanda cristata

14 Khayer (Acacia catechu)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

15 Khirro (Sapium insigne)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

16 Khote salla (Pinus roxburghii)

Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu

17 Kutmero (Litsea monopetala)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Dendrobium longicornu, Vanda cristata

18 Lakuri (Fraxinus Cleisostema racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum,

15

floribunda) Kingidium taenialis, Vanda cristata

19 Lali gurans

(Rhododendron arboreum)

Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium densiflorum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Epigeneium amplum, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Vanda cristata

20 Mauwa (Engelhardia spicata)

Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Epigeneium amplum, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

21 Mayel (Pyrus pashia)

Aerides multiflora, Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Epigeneium amplum, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

22 Nibharo (Ficus auriculata)

Aerides odorata, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis

23 Painyu (Prunus cerasoides)

Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

24 Pangar (Aesculus indica)

Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

25 Phalant (Quercus lanata)

Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa,

16

Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

26 Pipal (Ficus religiosa)

Aerides multiflora, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium longicornu, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

27 Pipari Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa

28 Sal (Shorea robusta)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

29 Simal (Bombax ceiba)

Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Epigeneium amplum, Oberonia sp, Vanda cristata

30 Sindure (Mallotus philippensis)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

31 Siris (Albizzia julibrissin)

Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

32 Tooni (Toona ciliata)

Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Coelogyne ovalis, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata

33 Utis (Alnus nepalensis)

Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata

17

34 Terrestrial Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe tricarinata, Cypripedium himalaicum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Habenaria aitchisonii, Habenaria arietina, Habenaria intermedia, Herminium lanceum, Malaxis muscifera, Pleione hookeriana, Pleione praecox, Satyrium nepalense, Spiranthes sinensis

35 Lithophytic Aerides multiflora, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Rhynchostylis retusa

3.3 Orchid Hotspots in Jajarkot

Orchid habitat comprises of undisturbed Sal and mixed broadleaved forests with

moisture content. Such type of habitat harbors varieties of orchids in quantity and in

terms of biodiversity, it is known as "Orchid Hotspot".

Orchid hotspot has been identified in forests of Khalanga, Rokayagaun, Paink,

Talegaun, Garkhakot, Majhkot and Khagenkot VDCs of Jajarkot district. Orchid

hotspot in the surveyed VDCs of Jajarkot district is shown in Map 2.

Table 7: Locations of orchid hotspots in the surveyed VDCs of Jajarkot district

SN Name of VDCs Locations of orchid hotspots Altitude

1 Khalanga 280 44’ 893” N; 820 10’ 881” E 1530m

2 Khalanga 280 45’ 880” N; 820 10’ 806” E 1970m

3 Khalanga 280 42’ 768” N; 820 14’ 984” E 770m

4 Rokayagaun 280 56’ 419” N; 820 14’ 046” E 1800m

5 Rokayagaun 280 56’ 649” N; 820 13’ 455” E 2150m

6 Paink 280 54’ 452” N; 820 10’ 759” E 2150m

7 Paink 280 54’ 188” N; 820 10’ 211” E 1900m

8 Paink 280 55’ 532” N; 820 07’ 447” E 2300m

9 Garkhakot 280 52’ 311” N; 820 01’ 222” E 1690m

10 Garkhakot 280 50’ 191” N; 820 00’ 937” E 1800m

11 Garkhakot 280 49’ 174” N; 820 00’ 347” E 1950m

12 Majhkot 280 48’ 397” N; 810 58’ 726” E 1430m

13 Khagenkot 280 49’ 688” N; 820 22’ 920” E 1000m

18

Map 2: Orchid hotspots in Jajarkot district

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3.4 Enumeration of Recorded Orchids of Jajarkot District

Enumerations of the recorded orchids of the surveyed VDCs of Jajarkot district are

as follows:

1. Aerides multiflora Roxb.

Habitat and distribution: This species is found in Nepal, India, Myanmar,

Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In Nepal it occurs as an epiphytic herb in

the tropical and sub-tropical forests at 200-1100m.

Diagnostic characters: Stem stout, 10-25cm long many leaved. Leaves 15-30cm

long, 1.5-2cm broad, ligulate, distichous, deeply channelled and keeled, curved, 2-

lobed. Inflorescences 20-40cm long, many-flowered, densely set in semi-pendant

cylindrical racemes; floral bracts 0.3cm long, 0.2cm broad, triangular, 1-nerved,

dark-brown. Flowers waxy, pinkish-white, 1.5-3cm across. Sepals elliptic-oblong or

orbicular, rounded. Petals oblong-spathulate, apex round. Lip magneta, clawed,

geniculate, adnate to the base of the column, 3 -lobed, convex, margins recurved,

basal half of the lip thick and with a retrorse tooth or callus pointing across the

mouth of the rectangularly bent spur; apex of side lobes rounded; mid-lobe cordate

or hastate-ovate, apex rounded, slightly convex above; spur pointing forwards,

short, straight, compressed. Column beaked, with 2 rounded auricles on the foot.

Flowering: May-July.

2. Aerides odorata Lour.

Habitat and distribution: This species is found in Nepal, Sikkim, Bangladesh,

Myanmar, South China, Indonesia and the Philippines. It occurs as an epiphytic herb

in the tropical and sub-tropical regions at 200-1200m.

Diagnostic characters: Stem stout, dropping, branching, 10-30cm long. Leaves

fleshy, incurved, 15-30cm long, 2-5cm broad, oblong-ligulate, roundly lobed at apex,

pale green. Inflorescence pendulous, 15-30cm long, densely up to 30-flowered;

peduncle and rachis stout; sticky when young; acute. Flowers white with pink spots;

fragrant. Dorsal sepal oblong, obtuse, lateral sepals longer than the dorsal sepal,

narrowly triangular-lanceolate. Petals narrowly oblong. Lip adnate to the short foot

of the column, 3-lobed, almost enclosing the column; side lobes sub-quadrate, erect,

margins entire or toothed; mid lobe short, incurved, oblong, acute, entire; disc with

20

small keels around the nectar and 2-curved appendages in the mouth; spur large,

horn-like, incurved. Flowering time: May-July.

3. Bulbophyllum careyanum (Hook.) Sprengel

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India and Myanmar. It occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of east, central and western Nepal at 600-2100m.

Diagnostic characters: Rhizomes stout. Pseudo-bulbs globose or oblong, lightly grooved, single-leaved, 1.5-5cm long, 1.5-2.5cm broad. Leaves 10-20cm long, 2-4cm broad, oblong, tapering to each end, notched. Inflorescence scape about the length of the pseudo-bulb, stout, brown and clothed with many bracts of the same color bearing a dense flower at its apex, decurved, cylindric raceme; floral bract lanceolate, longer than the stalked ovary. Flowers densely imbricating, orange –yellow spotted and suffused with red-brown. Sepals unequal, the dorsal smaller, oblong. Petals about one- third the size of the sepals, fleshy, narrowly triangular with a few projecting bristle- like teeth on the edges. Lip pinkish, longer thn the petals, oblong, broad base with two short falcate side lobes, edges minutely ciliolate. Column orange, short with two, broad apical teeth and a short curved foot. Flowering time: October-December.

4. Bulbophyllum viridiflorum

Habitat and distribution: Found in Nepal, India and Bhutan. It occurs as an

epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of east, central and west

Nepal at 1100-2300m.

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs caespitose, crowded, ovoid, tapering much

to the apex. Leaves 5-15cm long and 2-3cm broad, elliptic-oblong, sub-acute,

tapering much to the channelled petiole. Inflorescence scape equalled or exceeding

the leaf, decurved, with two sheathing bracts at the base and several scattered

along the peduncle, flowers in umbels of 5-9 on long pedicels; floral bract ovate,

acuminate, shorter than the pedicel. Flowers pale yellow spotted with purple, 1-2cm

long. Dorsal sepal free at its base from the lateral pair, broadly ovate, apiculate,

concave, vaulted over the column; lateral sepals free, twice as long as the dorsal,

ovate from at broad base, sub-acute, upper margins incurved, apices divergent.

Petals broadly elliptic, shortly apiculate, shorter than the dorsal sepal, spreading. Lip

purple, deflexed from the middle, oblong with a very broad base, apex minutely

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emarginate; under surface with a grooved keel. Column stout, with broad

rectangular wings, apical teeth long, filiform, decurved; apex upturned. Flowering

time: July-October.

5. Brachycorythis obcordata (Lindley) Summerhayes

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, northern India, Bhutan, China and

Myanmar. It occurs as a terrestrial herb on open, rocky hillsides the tropical to sub-

tropical regions at 900-2000 m.

Diagnostic characters: Orchid about 20cm high, pseudo-bulbs small, globose.

Leaves sessile, 2-4cm long, 0.8-1.8cm wide, oblong, sub-acute, base narrowed,

clasping the stem. Flowers pale purple in color. Propagated by seeds or pseudo-

bulbs. Flowering time: July-September.

6. Calanthe tricarinata Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan, West China and

Japan. It occurs as a terrestrial herb on the forest floor from the sub-tropical to sub-

alpine regions at 1500-3200 m.

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs broadly ovoid, 1.5-2.5cm long. Pseudo

stems 7.5-20cm long. Leaves 2 or 3, 20-35cm long, 5-7.5cm broad, oblanceolate,

acute, much narrowed in the lower half, petiolate or sessile. Inflorescence from the

developing pseudo-bulb, attached by the young leaves and arising from the axil of

one of them, longer than the adult leaves, 30-50cm long, the peduncle longer than

the laxly-flowered raceme, the rachis and stalked ovaries pubescent; floral bracts

lanceolate, shorter than the slender pedicel of the ovary. Flowers 1-2cm across,

externally green, edged with white; internally they are of a pale yellowish-green.

Sepals and petals broadly lanceolate, spreading. Lip adnate to the whole length of

the column broadly oblong, decurved, 3-lobed, base with a didymous puberulous

callus, green, but the fleshy ridged callus on its upper surface and anther are purple,

side lobes short, erect, broad and rounded; the mid lobe oblong, obtuse, edges

much undulate and the upper surface with a large fleshy callus divided into three

ridges. Flowering time: June-July.

22

7. Chiloschista usneoides (D. Don) Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India and Bhutan. It occurs as an

epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical regions of central and western Nepal at 1600-

1700m.

Diagnostic characters: Roots densely tufted, tortuous. Stem and leaves absent.

Inflorescence 7.5-15cm long raceme, many-flowered; peduncle brownish, bearing a

few amplexicaul, ovate, acute, membranous, deciduous bracts. Flowers sub-sessile,

white or greenish-yellow, 1.5cm across. Sepals spreading, oblong, obtuse. Petals

broader, spreading. Lip gibbous with a long claw, side lobes oblong, obtuse; disc

between the side lobes pubescent; mid-lobe truncate. Column short. Flowering time:

February-April.

8. Coelogyne corymbosa Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan and China. It occurs

as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of east, central and

western Nepal at 1500-2900m.

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs short, clustered, ovoid to sub-rhomboidal,

2.5-4.5cm long and 2-2.5cm broad, 2-leaved at the apex. Leaves 10-20cm long, 2-

3.5cm broad, elliptic-lanceolate, sub-erect, acute. Inflorescence racemose from the

base of the pseudobulb, erect or deurved, 2-4 flowered, 7-20cm long. Scape covered

in sheaths to first flower. Sheaths 1.5-2.5cm long, 1.5cm broad, ovate, acute.

Flowers fragrant, 6-7cm across, white. Sepals lanceolate or elliptic, acute. Petals

narrowly lanceolate, acute. Lip oblong, white with 4 large yellow eyes bordered with

orange-red, 3-lobed, side lobes broad and blunt, erose; mid-lobe ovate to

lanceolate, apex acute to acuminate and recurved, crenulated towards the base, disc

with 3 lamellae. Column curved, slightly winged towards the apex, outside white,

inside yellowish-brown. Flowering time: March-May.

9. Coelogyne cristata Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India and Bhutan. In Nepal it

occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions at 1400-

2500m.

23

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs oblong or ovoid, closely spaced on rhizome,

5-8cm long, 1.5-4cm in diameter, 2-leaved at apex. Leaves sessile, 15-30cm long, 2-

2.5cm broad, narrowly lanceolate, acute. Inflorescence racemose from the base of

the pseudobulb, pendulous, 15-30cm long, 3-10 flowered; bracts 2.5-5cm long,

persistent. Flowers white, 8-10cm across. Sepals narrowly elliptic-oblong, undulate,

sub-acute. Petals similar to sepals acute. Lip oblong, 3-lobed with large rounded side

lobes; mid-lobe broad, short, crenate with two broad, square, yellow lamellae on its

upper surface; disc between the side lobes with four yellow fimbriate lamellae.

Column long, apex hooded and crenate. Flowering time: February-April.

10. Coelogyne flaccida Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Myanmar, West China and

Laos. It occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical regions of central and west

Nepal at 900-1400m.

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs conical or ovoid-cylindric, up to 12cm long,

2.5cm broad, 2-leaved at apex. Leaves 10-18cm long, 2-3cm broad, linear-

lanceolate, acuminate; petiole 3.5-5cm long. Inflorescence racemose from the base

of the pseudobulb, pendulous, up to 20cm long, 7-9 flowered, bracts obovate, acute,

caduceus. Flowers 3-5cm across, white with yellow on middle of lip, striped red on

side lobes and spotted red at base of mid-lobe. Sepals lanceolate, acute. Petals

linear, acute, reflexed. Lip oblong, 3-lobed; side lobes long with acute apices; mid-

lobe oblong, acute, reflexed; disc with three yellow flexuose ridges between the side

lobes. Column white, broadly and erosely hooded at the apex. Flowering time: April-

June.

11. Coelogyne ovalis Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan and China. In Nepal

it occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions at 1300-

2100m.

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs ovoid to fusiform 3-8cm long, 1-1.5cm

broad, borne somewhat distant on a creeping rhizome, 2-leaved at apex. Leaves 9-

15cm long, 2.5-4cm broad, narrowly elliptic, acute to acuminate. Inflorescence

racemose from between the pair of leaves on the apex of pseudobulb; 1-3 flowered,

12cm long, subtended at base by 3 sheaths; floral bracts coriaceous, ovate,

24

convolute, caducous. Flowers pale brown, 3.5-5cm across. Sepals ovate, acute,

spreading. Petals linear, acute, spreading. Lip oblong, 3-lobed in middle, brown

having blackish-brown markings and hairs; side lobes narrow, recurved; mid lobe

broadly oblong, its edges and upper surface with stiff black hairs; disc with two

crisped lamellae from base to apex. Column curved, broadly winged in its upper half

of light color than the rest of the flower. Flowering time: September-December.

12. Cymbidium elegans Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India and Bhutan. It occurs as an

epiphytic or as a terrestrial herb in the temperate zones of east, central and western


Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs short. Leaves narrowly linear, acuminate,

slightly expanded and equitant at the base; 45-60cm long, 1.5-2cm broad.

Inflorescence axillary, decurved, as long as the leaves; peduncled longer than the

raceme, clothed to the apex by a few lanceolate acuminate convolute sheaths, 10-

15cm long; raceme densely flowered; floral bracts membranous, minute. Flowers

pale lemon yellow with parallel brownish streaks, 3.5-4.5cm long and 1.5cm across.

Sepals and petals sub-equal, erect, oblong, acute and slightly concave at the tips.

Lip as long as the petals, narrowly oblong; the side lobes near the apex, incurved,

rounded, white with many dark red streaks at base and spots towards margin; the

disc between them with two parallel ridges united at the apex and with a large

pubescent callus at the base; mid-lobe small, sub-orbicular, undulate, incurved.

Column long, slender, slightly pubescent at the base in front, the apex slightly

curved forwards. Flowering time: September-November.

13. Cymbidium iridioides D. Don

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and

China. It occurs as an epiphytic and as a lithophytic herb in the sub-tropical and

temperate regions of east, central and western Nepal at 1300-2400m.

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs 5-15cm long, 2-6cm in diameter, elongate

bisidely flattened. Leaves up to 90cm long, 2-4cm broad, linear, acute. Inflorescence

45-80cm long, sub-erect to horizontal; peduncle stiff; floral bracts triangular. Flowers

yellowish-green stained with irregular veins and spots of red or ginger-brown, with a

narrow cream margin, up to 10cm across. Dorsal sepal narrowly obovate, acute,

25

concave, lateral sepals similar, slightly asymmetric and twisted forward giving the

flower a half-open appearance. Petals ligulate, slightly curved, spreading. Lip 3-

lobed, fused to the column base for 4-5mm, yellowish, side-lobes dark red-veined,

mid-lobe yellow at the base, marked with a broad sub-marginal band of confluent

deep red spots and blotches; side-lobes triangular, slightly rounded at the apex,

margin fringed with short hairs; mid-lobe ovate, strongly recurved, sparsely hairy

except in the center where two or three lines of long hairs extend from the callus to

beyond the center of the mid-lobe; margin erose and undulating, fringed with short

hairs; callus ridges 2, short, reaching half way down the disc, dilated at the apex,

tapering off rapidly below, covered in long hairs. Column winged, short hairs present

ventrally near the base, callus ridges yellowish, spotted maroon in front. Flowering

time: September-December.

14. Cypripedium himalaicum Rolfe

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan and China. In Nepal

it occurs as a terrestrial herb in the sub-alpine and alpine regions at 3000-4800m.

Diagnostic characters: Stem 20-30cm high, clothed at the base by 3 or 4

unequal, lax, tubular, acute sheaths, 1-4cm long. Leaves 3-4, unequal, lowest the

smallest, scattered, larger leaves 6-8.5cm long, 2.5-5cm broad, the lower leaf only

3.5-5cm long and less than 1.2cm broad, from oblong to broadly elliptic, acute,

slightly narrowed to the sheathing base, puberulous. Floral bracts narrowly elliptic,

acute, slightly concave, longer than the flower, many-nerved. Flower solitary,

pinkish-brown, 6.5cm in diameter vertically and less than 5cm horizontally. Dorsal

sepal broadly ovate, acute, somewhat concave, the lateral pair slightly longer but

only one third as wide. Petals spreading, narrowly oblong, sub-acute, longer than

the dorsal sepal. Lip pendent, sub-cylindrically ventricose, many-nerved, brownish,

having a strong tinge of purple; the mouth wide, crenate. Flowering time: June-

August.

15. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, Pakistan, North India, Bhutan and

Southeast Tibet. It occurs as a terrestrial herb in moist places of east, central and

western Nepal at 3000-4000m.

26

Diagnostic characters: Orchid about 45cm high, roots tuberous, slightly flattened

and divided into 3 or 5 fingers like lobes. Leaves oblanceolate, base sheathing.

Flowers purple, narrowly lanceolate. Flowering and fruiting: June.-July (fl.), August-

September (fr.)

Status: Commercially threatened; Government protected (ban for collection, use,

sale, distribution, transportation and export).

16. Dendrobium aphyllum (Roxb.) G.E.C. Fischer


Southeast Asia. It occurs as an epiphytic herb in the tropical and sub-tropical regions

of east, central and western Nepal at 200-1500m.

Diagnostic characters: Stems slender, pendulous, leafy, 30cm to 1m long. Leaves

deciduous, 5-12cm long 2-3cm broad, linear, acute. Inflorescences abbreviated 1-3

flowered at each node, borne on old stems; peduncles springing from the slightly

swollen nodes of the leafless stems; floral bracts oblong, acute. Flowers white or

Rose color, 4-5cm in diameter, fragrant. Sepals oblong-lanceolate, acute. Petals

broadly oblong, acute, wider than the sepals. Lip tubular at base, shortly clawed, as

long as broad, cream or pale yellow, purple-veined, sub-orbicular, convolute, 3-

lobed, pubescent above, margins erose, almost ciliate, apex rounded; callus at base

of lip, 3-ridged. Column broad at the apex, foot tapering, flat in its upper part, white.

Flowering time: April-June.

17. Dendrobium bicameratum Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal and India. It occurs as an epiphytic

herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of central and western Nepal at

1400-2400m.

Diagnostic characters: Stems fusiform, elongate, 7.5-40cm long and 0.5-1.2cm

thick at the thickest part. Leaves 3.5-7.5cm long and 2-2.5cm broad, elliptic to

lanceolate, the apex acute and obliquely and minutely bifid. Inflorescence with

densely clustered flowers on a short rachis and forming a capitate lateral or sub-

terminal raceme; floral bracts sheathing the shortly-stalked ovary. Flowers yellow

marked with red, 1cm across. Dorsal sepal broadly ovate-oblong; lateral pair

triangular, all concave and sub-acute. Petals broadly elliptic, obtuse, as long as the

27

sepals. Lip small, fleshy, concave, broadly triangular and 3-lobed, the side lobes

triangular, acute, erect; the mid-lobe short, truncate; disc fleshy, smooth; column

short, with two large oblong nectar-secreting cells. Flowering time: July-August.

18. Dendrobium chryseum Rolfe



1200-2100m.

Diagnostic characters: Stems scarcely clavate, the leafy stems smooth, leafless

vertically ridged, 45-75cm long. Leaves coriaceous, 7-12cm long, 2-3.5cm broad,

narrowly oblong, the apex blunt, slightly notched. Inflorescence from the leafless

stems of the previous year; peduncle 5-7.5cm long, erect, bearing several tubular

membranous oblong sheaths; raceme two or three times as long as the peduncle,

horizontal, bearing from four to six rather distant flowers; floral bracts membranous,

oblong, sub-acute, shorter than the slender pedicelled ovary. Flowers yellow, 5-

7.5cm in diameter. Sepals oblong, sub-acute. Petals broadly ovate, sub-acute. Lip

narrowed and convolute in its lower part, the anterior part extended, concave,

orbicular, its margins sub-fimbriate near the base, undulate near the apex, having a

large purple blotch near its centre and its edges being of a paler yellow than the rest

of the flower; the upper surface tomentose. Column and foot short, the later with a

nectar near the base. Flowering time: April-June.

19. Dendrobium denudans D. Don



1000-2200m.

Diagnostic characters: Stems terete, sub-erect, many-leaved, the lower leaves

sometimes early deciduous, 15-25cm long. Leaves 5-10cm long, 1-2.5cm broad,

narrowly oblong, acute, sometimes obliquely notched, not narrowed to the sheathing

base. Inflorescence leaf-opposed racemes, slender, decurved, longer than the

leaves, many flowered; floral bracts minute. Flowers 1.5-2cm long, white. Sepals

sub-equal, not wide spreading, linear, acuminate, falcate. Petals similar to the

sepals, but smaller. Lip with a band of radiating red lines round its crisped or serrate

edges, much shorter than sepals, decurved from the base, the lower part sub-

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quadrate with two long narrow laciniate side lobes; the mid-lobes strongly recurved,

serrate, crisped; the disc with an obscurely 3-lined smooth surface with a triangular

apex ending at the mid-lobe. Column long, the margin of the clinandrium

denticulate; foot or the column red, curved, concave, hispid near its extremity.

Flowering time: April-September.

20. Dendrobium heterocarpum Wall. ex Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka,

Myanmar, Indonesia and Philippines. It occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-

tropical region of central and western Nepal at 1000-1400m.

Diagnostic characters: Stems erect, ribbed, sheathing, 20-45cm long. Leaves 7.5-

12cm long, 1.5-2.5cm broad, narrowly oblong, sub-acute. Inflorescence 1-3

flowered, on a very short peduncle from the leafless stems; floral bracts broad,

obtuse, convolute, much shorter than the stalked ovary. Flowers white often tinged

with green, 5-6cm across. Sepals sub-equal, the dorsal oblong, sub-acute; the lateral

pair lanceolate. Lip yellow or white, with a yellow disc and many purple radiating

lines, longer than the lateral sepals, acute, decurved, the edges undulate, the sides

of the base somewhat convolute, the disc pubescent. Column short, broad above the

foot, tapering, excavated and with a raised line down the center; mentum short,

conical, obtuse. Flowering time: April-May.

21. Dendrobium longicornu Wall. ex Lindley

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan, China and

Myanmar. It occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of


Diagnostic characters: Stems tufted, minutely sulcate, 15-30cm long, somewhat

zigzag, with coarse deciduous black hairs on the sheaths. Leaves deciduous, 4-7cm

long, 0.5-1.5cm broad, linear, obliquely acute. Inflorescences borne on leafy stems,

1-3 flowered, sub-apical; floral bracts ovate, acute, hairy, concave, 1cm long.

Flowers waxy, white, 4-5cm long, fragrant. Dorsal sepal ovate, acute; lateral sepals

ovate-triangular. Petals lanceolate or ovate, acute. Lip white streaked orange and

edged yellow, 3-lobed, rhombic, with a broad ridge running along its centre from the

base to the apex, dividing near the apex into 3 or 4 short branches, side lobes

rounded, boldly nerved and with broad erose apices, the mid-lobe small, sub-

29

orbicular, fimbriate. Column short; mentum long, attenuate, keeled above, 2-3cm

long. Flowering time: September-November.

22. Epigeneium amplum Lindley


herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of east, central and western Nepal at

1300-2100m.

Diagnostic characters: Rhizome pendulous, 0.5cm thick, woody, sheathed,

bearing at distances of 10-12.5cm, ellipsoidal pseudo-bulbs which are 2.5-5cm long

and half covered by large scarious sheaths. Leaves two, 10-15cm long, 3.5-5cm

broad, oblong, acute, shortly petioled; petiole 1-2.5cm. Floral bracts at the base of

the stalked ovary, large, loose, scarious. Flowers pale greenish-brown, profusely

spotted and blotched with darker brown, 8-9cm across. Sepals lanceolate with broad

bases, acuminate, the lateral pair slightly falcate. Petals linear, wide-spreading like

sepals. Lip articulate, mobile, 3-lobed; side lobes short, rounded; mid-lobe

rhomboid, sub-acute, entire, with three parallel mesial ridges and strong branching

nerves, dark purple with bronze edges; the space between the side lobes with three

lamellae, outer two having an erect tooth at their bases; the middle one shorter and

toothless. Column straight; its foot at a right angle to itself, with thickened sides and

a nectar-secreting depression just above the junction with the lip, spotted with

purple. Flowering time: September-November.

23. Gastrochilus calceolaris (Smith) D. Don


Malaysia. It occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions in

Nepal at 900-2300m.

Diagnostic characters: Stem short, pendulous. Leaves 10-25cm long, 1.5-2.5cm

broad, narrowly oblong, apex unequally bifid, the base slightly narrowed and jointed

to the short wide sheath. Racemes corymbosa, many-flowered, shorter than the

leaves, peduncle with several short sheaths; floral bracts broad, blunt. Flowers

1.5cm across, crowded, pale green with large roundish brown markings. Sepals

unequal, spreading, the dorsal oblong; the lateral pair oblong, falcate. Petals oblong,

slightly shorter than the sepals. Lip adnate to the lower half of the column; the base

forming a wide short sac, nearly parallel with and about half as long as the ovary,

30

sac bright yellow with brownish red markings; side lobes absent, the mid lobe at

right angle to the sac, semi-circular, white, except the smooth yellow speckled pad

at its base, margin and the whole of its upper surface, except a triangular pad at the

base, covered with white hair-like papillae. Column short, thick, reddish. Flowering

time: February-March.

24. Herminium lanceum (Thunb. ex Swartz) J. Vuijk

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, China, Myanmar, Thailand,

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Japan. It occurs as a terrestrial herb from

the sub-tropical to sub-alpine regions from east, central and western Nepal at 1100-

3500m.

Diagnostic characters: Stems 25-75cm high; tubers small, oblong. Stem clothed

in its lower part with tubular acute sheaths. Leaves two or three, linear, acuminate,

and not narrowed to the long sheath. Spike cylindrical, narrow, 6.5-25cm long, many

flowered; stem the leaves short, usually bearing a linear acuminate bract; floral

bracts linear, acuminate, shorter than the ovary. Flowers about 0.7cm long,

crowded, green. Sepals sub-equal, oblong, obtuse, the dorsal connivent with the

petals to form a hood over the column, the lateral pair spreading. Petals as long as

the sepals, narrowly linear. Lip much longer than the sepals, deflexed from the base,

oblong in general outline; the lower half minutely auriculate and with a small

concavity at the base; the anterior half trifif at the apex, the mid-lobe short; the side

lobes long, filiform, curved. Flowering time: July-September.

25. Kingidium taenialis (Lindley) P. F. Hunt

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Myanmar. It

occurs as an epiphytic herb or sometimes on the mossy rock in the sub-tropical and


Diagnostic characters: Roots numerous, long and flat, forming large tufts. Leaves

few, pendulous, often solitary, sometimes absent, 7.5-12.5cm long, 1.5-2cm broad,

narrowly elliptic, acute, tapering to the sessile base. Racemes longer than the

leaves, pendulous, 6-8 flowered; floral bracts broadly triangular, minute. Flowers

pale purple, 2cm across. Sepals unequal, blunt; the dorsal oblong, slightly

oblanceolate; the lateral pair broader, elliptic, blunt. Petals obovate, blunt, shorter

than the sepals. Lip adnate to the foot of the column, shorter than the petals, dark

31

purple, dark purple; hypochile produced below into a stout sub-cylindric spur and

sending upward two long narrow falcate backward pointing lobes; the epichile

spathulate, entire, attached to the hypochile near its base, running parallel to it for

part of its length and then curving forwards, its upper surface with a forked

appendage. Column long, narrowly winged, dilated towards the foot. Flowering time:

April-June.

26. Oberonia acaulis W. Griffith

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos,

Cambodia and West China. It occurs as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and


Diagnostic characters: Stems short, slightly tufted. Leaves 2-20cm long and 0.5-

1.5cm broad, ensiform, acuminate, falcate, unequal in size. Inflorescence longer

than the leaves, slender, decurved, densely-flowered with the flowers borne more or

less in whorls; its peduncle terete, rather thickly clothed with slightly spreading

linear bracts; the rachis of the raceme not thicker than the peduncle but several

times as long; floral bract lanceolate, acuminate, coarsely erose. Flowers light

brown, 0.2cm long, numerous, more or less whorled. Sepals ovate, entire. Petals

oblong, entire, truncate, spreading on the ovary. Lip longer than the sepals and

petals; side lobes broadly oblong, sub-crenulate, blunt, sub-divergent; mid-lobe

large, deeply cleft into two broadly oblong blunt lobules separated from each other

by a triangular blunt; the upper surface of the lip with a few irregularly scattered

watery blisters ultimately changing into scales and also with a small shallow

depression at the base just under the column. Flowering time: September-

December.

27. Pleione hookeriana (Lindley) B. S. Williams


as an epiphytic herb or terrestrial in the temperate and sub-alpine regions from east

to western Nepal at 2200-3700m.

Diagnostic characters: Pseudo-bulbs caespitose, oval, with a few lax sheaths,

smooth, 2-2.5cm long. Leaf solitary, proceeding from the base of the adult pseudo-

bulb, 5-6cm long and 1-2cm broad, narrowly elliptic, acute, tapering to the petiole;

petiole 2-3cm long, enclosed in tubular imbricate sheaths. Peduncle enveloped in the

32

same sheaths as the base of the undeveloped leaf; floral bracts about as long as the

stalked ovary, broadly obovate, obtuse, convolute, persistent. Flowers solitary, 5cm

across, white flushed with violet. Sepals spreading sub-equal in length, elliptic, blunt,

the dorsal narrower than the lateral pair. Petals spreading, as long as the sepals,

oblanceolate, obtuse. Lip white with a large spot of yellow with dull reddish-

mottings, cordate at the base, broad and entire in its posterior half, narrowed and

minutely erose in its anterior, the apex retuse, the disc with 5-7 slender ciliate ridges

from the base nearly to the apex. Column long, curved, broadly winged in its upper

half. Flowering time: May-June.

28. Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Myanmar, Sri-Lanka,

Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines. It occurs as an epiphytic

herb in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of east to western Nepal at 300-1800m.

Diagnostic characters: Stem stout, 10-20cm long, clothed in the sheaths of

decayed leaves. Leaves curved, fleshy, 15-50cm long, 1.5-5cm broad, ligulate,

deeply channelled, keeled, retuse at apex. Inflorescence pendulous, racemose,

densely many-flowered, cylindric, 10-45cm long. Flowers white, spotted with pink or

violet, 1-1.8cm across. Dorsal sepal oblong, acute; lateral sepals broadly ovate,

obtuse. Petals elliptic, obtuse. Lip concave, adnate to the short foot of the column;

entire at the apex, purple above, white at base; disc flat; spur saccate, longer than

the limb of the lip, pale mauve. Column with an indistinct foot. Flowering time: May-

July.

29. Satyrium nepalense D. Don

Habitat and distribution: Distributed in Nepal, India, Pakistan and Southwest

China. It occurs as terrestrial herb in open grassy slopes of sub-tropical to sub-alpine

regions of east to western Nepal at 1500-4000m.

Diagnostic characters: Stem erect, 50-75cm long. Leaves narrow-elliptic with

sheathing bases, 10-25cm. Flowers pink, fragrant, in a dense terminal spike and with

reflexed bracts tinged pink and much longer than the flowers. Flowers 1-1.5cm

across, in a spike 2.5-15cm long; lip erect projecting upwards, hood-shaped, curved

and with two down projecting spurs; petals recurved, smaller than the spreading

sepals. Flowering time: July-September.

33

30. Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames /S. australis (R. Br.) Lindley Habitat and Distribution: Distributed in Nepal, Afghanistan, China, India, S E Asia and Australia. It is one of the widest ranging species ranging from tropics to alpine regions of Nepal at 100-4500m in open slopes and cultivated areas.

Diagnostic characters: Leaves 4-5, linear-lanceolate, 2-6cm. Flowers very small, pink or sometimes white, arranged spirally in a slender but dense spikes 8-15cm long, and borne on a hairy stem. Flowers 3-4mm long, hooded and with spreading lateral sepals; lip oblong, the apical part with crisped margin and dilated recurved tip. Spur absent; flowering stem 15-45cm, leafy only near the base and with sheathing bracts above. Flowering time: April-August.

31. Vanda cristata Lindley


as an epiphytic herb in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of east to western

parts of Nepal at 1200-2300m.

Diagnostic characters: Stems 7.5-18cm long, stout, covered with old sheaths.

Leaves numerous, 7.5-10cm long, 1-1.5cm broad, narrowly oblong, conduplicate,

truncately and unequally bilobed at the apex, dilated towards the jointed sheathing

base. Racemose equal to the leaves, axillary, 2-5 flowered; floral bracts 0.3-0.5cm

long, broadly ovate, obtuse, membranous. Flowers pale green or yellowish, 3-5cm

across. Sepals sub-equal, spreading; dorsal sepal oblong, obtuse; lateral sepals

ovate, obtuse. Petals oblong, obtuse, slightly falcate, olive-green, narrower than the

sepals. Lip greenish-white, blotched with dark purplish-brown, longer than the

sepals, adnate to the base of the column; 3-lobed, the mid-lobe oblong with two

divaricate oblong lobules and a horn like fleshy beak pointing downwards the apex,

upper surface with dark purplish brown lines and six ridges. Spur widely

infundibuliform, half as long as the stalked ovary, its mouth with triangular erect side

lobes. Column short, white with no foot. Flowering time: March-May.

3.5 Current Stock of Valuable Orchids of Jajarkot District

According to the collectors and traders of herbs in Jajarkot district, three species of

orchids are in demand and therefore considered valuable compare to others species.

The valuable species of orchids were identified as Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium aphyllum and Dendrobium bicameratum.

34

The abundance of Dendrobium aphyllum was found highest in Khagenkot VDC

(1920/ha) with the current stock of 0.2928kg/ha followed by Khalanga VDC with the

abundance of 1390/ha having current stock of 2.11975kg/ha and Paink VDC with

abundance of 980/ha and current stock of 1.4945kg/ha (Table 8).

Similarly, the abundance of Dendrobium bicameratum was found highest in

Khalanga VDC (1000/ha) with the current stock of 1.525kg/ ha followed by

Garkhakot VDC with the abundance of 900/ha having current stock of 1.3725kg/ha

and Paink VDC with abundance of 760/ha and current stock of 1.159kg/ha (Table 8).

Furthermore, the abundance of Dendrobium denudans was found highest in

Khalanga VDC (440/ha) with the current stock of 0.671kg/ha followed by Paink VDC

with the abundance of 260/ha having current stock of 0.3965kg/ha and Garkhakot

VDC with abundance of 180/ha and current stock of 0.2745kg/ha (Table 8).

Table 8: Abundance and current stock of valuable orchids of Jajarkot district

SN Name of VDCs

Valuable Orchid Spp

Orchid /Patch

Orchid /ha

Stock (kg/ha)

Area of Orchids Available Forests (ha)

Estimated Distribution of Orchids (ha)

Total Stock of the Area (kg)**

1 Khagenkot Dendrobium aphyllum 19 1920 0.2928 1953 195.3 57.18

2 Ragda Dendrobium aphyllum 9 930 1.41825 3646 364.6 517.09

3 Garkhakot Dendrobium denudans 2 180 0.2745 3320 332 91.13

4 Garkhakot Dendrobium aphyllum 9 870 1.32675 3320 332 440.48

5 Garkhakot Dendrobium bicameratum 9 900 1.3725 3320 332 455.67

6 Majhkot Dendrobium denudans 2 170 0.25925 2053 205.3 53.22

7 Majhkot Dendrobium aphyllum 6 580 0.8845 2053 205.3 181.59

8 Majhkot Dendrobium bicameratum 7 700 1.0675 2053 205.3 219.16

9 Kortang Dendrobium aphyllum 5 520 0.793 1583 158.3 125.53

10 Kortang Dendrobium bicameratum 6 570 0.86925 1583 158.3 137.60

11 Dashera Dendrobium aphyllum 3 350 0.53375 672 67.2 35.87

12 Dashera Dendrobium bicameratum 4 400 0.61 672 67.2 40.99

13 Ramidanda Dendrobium 3 280 0.427 2245 224.5 95.86

35

aphyllum

14 Rokayagaun Dendrobium aphyllum 7 720 1.098 5899 589.9 647.71

15 Rokayagaun Dendrobium bicameratum 7 650 0.99125 5899 589.9 584.74

16 Paink Dendrobium denudans 3 260 0.3965 4465 446.5 177.04

17 Paink Dendrobium aphyllum 10 980 1.4945 4465 446.5 667.29

18 Paink Dendrobium bicameratum 7 760 1.159 4465 446.5 517.49

19 Sima Dendrobium aphyllum 6 650 0.99125 528 52.8 52.34

20 Sima Dendrobium bicameratum 4 410 0.62525 528 52.8 33.01

21 Khalanga Dendrobium denudans 4 440 0.671 4230 423 283.83

22 Khalanga Dendrobium aphyllum 14 1390 2.11975 4230 423 896.65

23 Khalanga Dendrobium bicameratum 10 1000 1.525 4230 423 645.07

24 Dhime Dendrobium aphyllum 5 540 0.8235 4211 421.1 346.77

25 Dhime Dendrobium bicameratum 4 370 0.56425 4211 421.1 237.61

26 Talegaun Dendrobium aphyllum 9 940 1.4335 1237 123.7 177.32

27 Talegaun Dendrobium bicameratum 7 730 1.11325 1237 123.7 137.71

** Of the total areas of mixed and broadleaved forests of the surveyed VDCs, it is

estimated that only 10% of the total mixed and broadleaved forests areas host

orchids. Based on that assumption, total stocks of identified valuable orchids were

calculated.

3.6 Uses of Orchids

Orchids are mostly used for ornamental purpose and some are used for medicinal

purpose. Large numbers of native orchids of Nepal are beautiful and carry

horticultural importance. The most beautiful orchid species of Nepal belong to the

following genera: Aerides, Ascocentrum, Arundina, Bulbophyllum, Calanthe,

Coelogyne, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Epigeneium, Eria, Esmeralda, Phaius, Phalaenopsis, Pleione, Rhynchostylis, Thunia, Trudelia, Vanda and Vandopsis.

Species cultivated for ornamental purpose, include Aerides multiflora, Ascocentrum

ampullaceum, Bulbophyllum leopardinum, Calanthe masuca, C. plantaginea, C.

36

tricarinata, Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidium elegans, C. iridioides, Dendrobium

densiflorum, D. moschatum, D. nobile, Pleione praecox, Rhynchostylis retusa and

Vanda tessellata. Some important medicinal orchids of Nepal are mentioned by

Rajbhandari et al. (2000) and Manandhar (2002). They are Brachycorythis obcordata, Coelogyne flavida, Coelogyne stricta, Cymbidium aloifolium, Dactylorhiza

hatagirea, Eulophia nuda, Flickingeria macraei, Pholidota imbricata, Luisia zeylanica

and Vanda tessellata. Highly exploited orchids for medicinal purpose are Flickingeria

macraei found in tropical and sub-tropical regions and Dactylorhiza hatagirea found

in the sub-alpine and alpine regions (Bailes, 1985).

3.6.1 Medicinal Uses of Orchids

Some species of orchids are used for the treatment of various ailments by the

communities living in the remote parts as a primary health care. The traditional use

practices of orchids are given in Table 9.

Table 9: Traditional uses of orchids

SN Orchid species Medicinal uses

1 Brachycorythis obcordata Root is astringent, expectorant and is used as a

tonic

2 Coelogyne corymbosa A paste of the pseudo-bulb is applied to the

forehead to relieve headache

3 Coelogyne cristata Juice of the pseudo-bulb is applied to boils and also

put in wounds on the hooves of animals

4 Coelogyne flaccida A paste of pseudo-bulb is applied to forehead to

treat headache. Juice is also taken for indigestion

5 Dactylorhiza hatagirea Root is expectorant, astringent, demulcent, and

highly nutritious. Root powdered is spread over the

wounds to control bleeding. Decoction of the root is

given in cases of stomach trouble

6 Dendrobium densiflorum Pulp of pseudo-bulb is applied to boils and pimples

7 Dendrobium longicornu Juice of the plant is used to relieve fever. Boiled

root is fed to livestock suffering from cough

8 Pleione humilis Paste of the pseudo-bulb is applied to cuts and

wounds

9 Rhynchostylis retusa Juice of the root is applied to cuts and wounds

37

10 Satyrium nepalense Pseudo-bulbs are boiled and eaten. In some parts,

the tender leaves are cooked as a vegetable

11 Vanda cristata A paste of the plant is applied to cuts and wounds.

Similarly, paste of the root is applied to boils and

also used for the treatment of dislocated bones

Source: Manandhar (2002)

3.7 Assessment of Threat

Orchids are well known for their horticultural and ornamental values. The export of

wild orchids from Nepal posed a continued threat to wild populations which have

been reduced due to habitat destruction. In 2008, Nepal government permitted the

export of wild orchids which were restricted before and now again banned for

collection and export since 2009. During the permitted period, the over exploitation

of wild orchids by local vendors for sale to the traders/exporters exerted serious

threat to most of the sub-tropical and some temperate epiphytic species.

Furthermore, the favourable orchid habitats are heavily encroached for the

settlement, infrastructure development and cultivation.

3.7.1 Legal and Conservation Gaps

The issues relating to sustainable use of orchids are:

Lack of inventory of orchid species and their abundance and distribution.

Slow process to protect and manage critical wildlife habitats.

Difficulty in identifying orchids during non-flowering seasons.

Lack of awareness by developers on orchid conservation.

Habitat destruction.

Inadequate monitoring and regulatory mechanisms.

The cost of repatriation of illegal shipments.

3.8 Conservation Strategies

Orchids fall under CITES-II category which is defined as species not yet threatened

but which could become endangered, if trade is not controlled. Collection and trade

of orchids does not fall under the jurisdiction of CITES or any existing legislation.

However, it is envisaged that with the development and enactment of regulations

38

under the Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation of Trade)

Act, illegal trade and uncontrolled harvesting of orchids will be addressed.

3.8.1 Goals and strategic directions

Goal 1: Conserve orchid species and their habitats

a. In-situ conservation

Strategic directions include:

Conduct orchid survey biannually.

Establish habitat or species management areas (equivalent to IUCN category

IV) where the ecosystems are healthy and a number of species present are

threatened by proposed habitat alteration such as infrastructure development.

Rehabilitate degraded orchid habitats and promote the recovery of

endangered orchid species through the development and implementation of

management or recovery plans.

Develop legislation for the establishment of areas to facilitate conservation of

orchids and other species especially in areas that are zoned for development

such as road construction and buildings.

b. Ex-situ conservation


Develop and review guidelines for rescue centres regularly.

Establish at least two rescue centres to house plants illegally exported.

Establish and maintain a gene bank of endangered orchid species.

Encourage the artificial propagation of orchid species from seeds and tissue

culture by commercial growers such as the granting of tax exemptions for

imported materials used in the artificial propagation of wild orchids from

seeds.

Develop and institute cooperative agreements between private landowners

and the Government for the purposes of plant conservation and land

restoration.

Re-establish decimated orchid populations by cultivating and propagating in

nurseries for re-introduction.

39

Maintain and expand the orchid collection at the demonstration gardens.

Goal 2: Ensure sustainable use of orchids

a. Regulatory framework


Complete amendments of the Wild Life Protection Act to incorporate the

protection of endangered and endemic orchid species and establish quota

restrictions on commercial species.

A periodic review of the orchids on the protected list should be conducted for

nomenclature changes, addition or deletion of species.

Legislate the nursery inspection form under the domestic trade regulations of

the Endangered Species Act.

Develop a field collection policy to prevent the over-exploitation of wild

orchids and incorporate into the domestic legislation.

Develop a registration process for orchid’s nurseries.

Develop regulations governing artificial propagation of wild species of the

Trade in Endangered Species Act.

Develop exemption certificates in accordance with the Endangered Species

Act for persons trading in personal effects.

Goal 3: Promote and facilitate research and training

Training and research


Develop and institute training programs for the identification of orchid species

for DFO staffs, Customs Officers, Taxonomists, Protected Areas Rangers,

Plant Quarantine Officers and other relevant persons involved in the issuing of

permits and security at airports.

Conduct and support research for artificial propagation of Nepal’s native

orchid species.

40

Goal 4: Public education and awareness


Develop and implement a public awareness program on the conservation of

orchids and on the relevant resolutions of CITES.

Educate developers, visitors and commercial exporters on conservation issues,

CITES resolutions.

Encourage individuals to purchase orchids from commercial growers, rather

than collecting from the wild.

Provide information on the method of processing plants for export to the

electronic and print media, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation,

Floriculture societies and libraries.

Continue to erect posters at airports, hotels and wildlife attractions in order to

promote public awareness.

Develop and disseminate an Orchid Expertise List (these persons should be

able to accurately identify orchid species, have working experience in the

areas of Orchid conservation and/or bio-engineering).

Continue to establish a photographic and herbarium collection of native orchid

species.

Emphasize on the printing of orchid species in the postage stamps.

41

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Conclusion

Orchids are among the most beautiful ornamental plants and carry medicinal and

horticultural importance as well. Jajarkot district is rich in orchid species resources

with 39 species of both terrestrial and epiphytic orchids identified in the studied 15

VDCs of the district. Orchid habitat hotspots and host plants were identified within

the community forests as well as government managed forests at the altitudes

between 600-2300m in humid and moisture rich Sal and mixed broadleaved forests

of the surveyed VDCs.

The assessment of the current stocks of some valuable orchid species revealed that

the abundance of Dendrobium aphyllum was found highest in Khagenkot VDC

(1920/ha) with the current stock of 0.2928kg/ha followed by Khalanga VDC with the

abundance of 1390/ha having current stock of 2.11975kg/ha and Paink VDC with

abundance of 980/ha and current stock of 1.4945kg/ha.

Similarly, the abundance of Dendrobium bicameratum was found highest in

Khalanga VDC (1000/ha) with the current stock of 1.525kg/ha followed by

Garkhakot VDC with the abundance of 900/ha having current stock of 1.3725kg/ha

and Paink VDC with abundance of 760/ha and current stock of 1.159kg/ha.

Furthermore, the abundance of Dendrobium denudans was found highest in

Khalanga VDC (440/ha) with the current stock of 0.671kg/ha followed by Paink VDC

with the abundance of 260/ha having current stock of 0.3965kg/ha and Garkhakot

VDC with abundance of 180/ha and current stock of 0.2745kg/ha.

Of the total mixed and broadleaved forest areas of the surveyed VDCs, it is assumed

that only 10% of the total forests area host orchids. Based on that assumption, total

stocks of orchids were calculated. The total stock of D. aphyllum was recorded

highest in Khalanga VDC with 896.65kg followed by Paink VDC with the stock of

667.29kg and Rokayagaun VDC with total stock of 647.71kg.

Similarly, D. bicameratum was recorded highest in Khalanga VDC with 645.07kg

followed by Rokayagaun VDC with the stock of 584.74kg and Paink VDC with total

stock of 517.49kg.

42

And the total stock of D. denudans was recorded highest in Khalanga, Paink and

Garkhakot with the total stock of 283.83kg, 177.04kg and 91.13kg respectively.

However, due to the habitat loss, forest destruction, degradation and over

exploitation of beautiful and medicinal orchids for trade has posed threats to the

conservation of orchids in the district. Conservation has not been coherent with the

need of orchids. Therefore, detailed assessment to understand the current stock and

overall conservation status of orchids in the district needs to be conducted, which is

still lacking.

4.2 Recommendations

Orchid conservation awareness should be organized in every alternate year, so

that the upcoming young generation should be made aware and educated about

the importance of their forest ecosystem.

Urgent need of plantation of suitable orchid host tree species and protection of

the naturally growing saplings of these host species.

Government should develop orchid hotspot areas as the eco-tourism promotion,

so that the local stakeholders can earn some kind of revenue from the

resources.

Facilitate the local communities to propagate some viable species and market

them appropriately in order to bridge their monetary gaps with the help of the

aesthetic and other values of these beautiful orchids.

Establish and maintain a gene bank of endangered species.

Maintain and expand the orchid collection at the demonstration gardens.

Develop a field collection policy to prevent the over-exploitation of wild orchids

and

Incorporate into the management plan of community forests as wells as

government managed forests.

Develop and institute training programs for the identification of orchid species

for District Forest Office staff, and other relevant persons involved in the issuing

of permits.

Prepare posters or yearly calendar with the photographs and description of

endangered species of orchid and distribute to community forests user groups

and other conservation groups in order to promote public awareness.

43

Systematic investigation of orchids should be undertaken for the complete

indexing of the orchids and contributing to a Red Data Book regarding the

threatened and endangered species.

Orchid reserves in orchid hotspots should be established for the preservation

and regeneration of orchids.

The collection of wild species of orchids for commercialization should be banned

and the rare and endangered species should be introduced in Botanic gardens.

Systematic research on propagation technique such as tissue culture should be

promoted for the commercially valuable orchids.

44

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Rajbhandari K R and Bhattarai S. 1995-96. Cymbidium gammieanum King & Pantl., A New Record for Nepal. Nat. Hist. Soc. Nepal Bull. 5-6(1-4): 2-3.

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Documents

Survey and Enumeration of Orchids in Jajarkot District, Nepal