Orchids of Pangot
Introduction
What is an orchid?
Orchids are a diverse and 2nd largest flowering plant known as the Orchidaceae family. Worldwide it has 28,000 species and India has 1,256 species.
Orchids of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is very rich in orchid diversity; the state currently has 244 orchid species, placing it 10th on the list of orchid diversity in India.
Ecological importance
Orchids are the most important plants in the horticulture view of point. They are the climatic indicators and symbol of a healthy forest, lots of butterflies are also attracted by these beautiful Orchids.
Economical importance
Due to their beauty, orchids are used for decorative purposes. And facing overexploitation.
Habitat of Pangot
Pangot lies in a temperate zone and has very unique geographical features because of that it has lots of diversity. This zone supports both evergreen and deciduous forest key species are banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), moru oak ( Quercus floribunda), buransh (rhododendron arboreum), Deodara (cedrus deodara), kafal (myrica esculenta) ayaar (lyonia ovalifolia) and chamkhadik (carpinus viminea) to few.
Methodology
The literature and forest survey was carried out from May to September 2024 in a selected area in Pangot.
Orchids
Dendrobium denudans is a epiphytic orchid, locally known as “hadjodan” or bare Dendrobium. Found in bagad area 3 km from Pangot on Garura(Olea glandulifera) tree flowering time of this beautiful orchid is April-June. Dendrobium is found in the Himalaya, from Garhwal to Sikkim, at altitudes of 1500-2100 m.
Epipactis helleborine
Epipactis helleborine is a terrestrial orchid commonly found in foothills to alpine regions from 1000-4000 m, flowering time is July to August. Here in Pangot, this beautiful orchid is found in oak forest near Ghughukham, Naina peak, snow view and Killbury.
Habenaria intermedia, a beautiful, white-flowered orchid locally known as Riddhi, blooms during the monsoon season from July to August between 2000-2700 mt. elevation. This exquisite orchid is part of the Ayurvedic Ashtavarga, a revered group of eight medicinal herbs. While traveling from Nainital, one can easily spot numerous Riddhi plants adorning the roadside walls, adding to the natural charm of the region.
Habenaria pectinata
Habenaria pectinata ia an terrestrial orchid also known as Sword-Leaf Habenaria, The Most suitable habitat for Sword-Leaf Habenaria is temperate grassy slopes at 1500-3000 m
Herminium clavigerum
Herminium clavigerum, 60 cm tall is a terrestrial orchid found in himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan, at altitudes of 1800-3500 m. In this area, it can be found on Naina Peak, Pangot, and Snow View. Grassy patches are also a habitat for Herminium orchids. elevation, during July and August. In Pangot, the Sword-Leaf Habenaria is found near Cheer Point and on the top of Ghanyal Devi Peak.
Satyrium nepalense
Satyrium nepalense is a terrestrial orchid that grows up to 15cm. Long . blooming time is august-october while coming from Nainital to Pangot can be seen alongside the road mixed with grasses, also can be seen on the top of Ghanyal devi peak.
Spiranthes australis
Spiranthes Australis also known as Spiral Orchid is a terrestrial orchid up to 30 cm tall. In Pangot it is found in Ghanyal devi’s top and at cheer point, it have beautiful spiral flowering style which makes it more beautiful. Flowering time is from July-September.
Thunia alba
Thunia alba is epiphytic or lithophytic orchid which have very beautiful fragrant white flowers which bloom during monsoon from July-August, in bagad area 3 km from Pangot grows on Garura (Olea glandulifera) tree.
Vanda cristata
Vanda cristata also known as comb vanda, found at 1000-2000 m elevation, is an epiphytic orchid, whose flowering time is may-June which grows on Garura
(Olea glandulifera) trees in the Bagad area, about 3 kilometers from Pangot. The suitable habitat of comb vanda is a humid area near water streams. Flowering of comb vanda is from May to June.
