A unique orchid species- Gastrodia indica was recently discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim.
About Gastrodia indica:
It 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.
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