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

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.
1
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.
2
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
3
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.
4
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):
Total number of plant of any species

Abundance Pl/ha = × 10000
Total number of quadrat studied × area of quadrat
For orchid species, the following steps were carried out in the field to find out the
abundance.
Numbers of orchids
1. Number in a plot
of patches were calculated
of orchids with the
will be counted for help
eachofhost
following steps:
2.1.Number
Averageofnumber of orchid
individual orchid (of
waseach
counted in each
species) will patch
be counted in a patch
2. Total number of patches of "Species A" were counted in each quadrat
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
5
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.
6
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
S Name of Recorded orchid species Most abundant orchids
N VDCs
1 Khagenkot Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora, Aerides
Cleisostema racemiferum, odorata, Cleisostema
Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne racemiferum, Coelogyne
cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum,
cristata, Oberonia acaulis,
Dendrobium longicornu, Habenaria
Rhynchostylis retusa,
intermedia, Herminium lanceum,
Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis Vanda cristata
muscifera, Oberonia acaulis,
Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata
2 Ragda Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora, Aerides

Cleisostema racemiferum, odorata, Cleisostema
Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium racemiferum, Oberonia
aphyllum, Oberonia acaulis, acaulis, Rhynchostylis
Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata retusa
3 Bhagwati Aerides odorata, Cleisostema Aerides odorata,
racemiferum, Kingidium taenialis, Cleisostema racemiferum,
Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis Kingidium taenialis,
retusa, Vanda cristata
Oberonia acaulis,
7
Rhynchostylis retusa
Table 2: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of western cluster of Jajarkot district
S Name of Recorded orchid species Most abundant orchids
N VDCs
1 Garkhakot Brachycorythis obcordata, Coelogyne corymbosa,
Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Calanthe Coelogyne cristata,
tricarinata, Cleisostema Dendrobium aphyllum,
racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa,
Dendrobium bicameratum,
Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne
Dendrobium
flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis,
Cymbidium iridioides, Cypripedium heterocarpum,
himalaicum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Dendrobium longicornu,
Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium Kingidium taenialis,
bicameratum, Dendrobium Oberonia acaulis, Vanda
chryseum, Dendrobium denudans, cristata
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
2 Majhkot Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,

Cleisostema racemiferum, Cleisostema racemiferum,
Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne Coelogyne flaccida,
cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Dendrobium aphyllum,
Coelogyne ovalis, Dendrobium Dendrobium bicameratum,
aphyllum, Dendrobium Oberonia acaulis,
bicameratum, Dendrobium Rhynchostylis retusa,
denudans, Dendrobium longicornu, Vanda cristata
Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis
3 Kortang Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne cristata,
Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium Dendrobium aphyllum,
aphyllum, Dendrobium Kingidium taenialis, Vanda
8
bicameratum, Dendrobium cristata
longicornu, Kingidium taenialis,
Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata
4 Dashera Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,

Cleisostema racemiferum, Cleisostema racemiferum,
Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne Coelogyne corymbosa,
cristata, Coelogyne flaccida,
Coelogyne cristata,
Coelogyne ovalis, Dendrobium
Dendrobium aphyllum,
aphyllum, Dendrobium
bicameratum, Dendrobium Kingidium taenialis,
longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Rhynchostylis retusa,
Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata Vanda cristata
Table 3: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of northern cluster of Jajarkot district
S Name of Recorded orchid species Most abundant
N VDCs orchids
1 Ramidanda Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe Calanthe tricarinata,
tricarinata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne cristata,
aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu,
Vanda cristata
lanceum, Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis
muscifera, Oberonia acaulis, Satyrium
nepalense, Spiranthes sinensis,
Vanda cristata
2 Rokayagaun Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe Coelogyne corymbosa,

tricarinata, Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne cristata,
Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne Dendrobium aphyllum,
cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Dendrobium
Coelogyne ovalis, Dactylorhiza bicameratum,
hatagirea, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu,
Dendrobium bicameratum, Kingidium taenialis,
Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium Oberonia acaulis, Vanda
longicornu, Habenaria intermedia, cristata
Herminium lanceum, Kingidium
taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia
acaulis, Pleione hookeriana, Pleione
9
praecox, Satyrium nepalense,
Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda cristata
3 Paink Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe Coelogyne corymbosa,
tricarinata, Chiloschista usneoides, Coelogyne cristata,
Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne Dendrobium aphyllum,
corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata,
Dendrobium
Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis,
bicameratum,
Cypripedium himalaicum,
Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Dendrobium Dendrobium longicornu,
aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Kingidium taenialis,
Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium Oberonia acaulis, Vanda
densiflorum, Dendrobium denudans, cristata
Dendrobium heterocarpum,
Dendrobium longicornu, Gastrochilus
calceolaris, Habenaria arietina,
lanceum, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium
taenialis, Malaxis muscifera, Oberonia
acaulis, Pleione hookeriana, Pleione
praecox, Satyrium nepalense,
Table 4: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of southern cluster of Jajarkot district
N VDCs orchids
1 Sima Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,
Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne Coelogyne cristata,
cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium aphyllum,
Dendrobium bicameratum,
Oberonia acaulis,
Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium
Rhynchostylis retusa,
taenialis, Oberonia acaulis,
Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata Vanda cristata
2 Bhur Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,

Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne Cleisostema
cristata, Dendrobium longicornu, racemiferum, Oberonia
Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, acaulis, Rhynchostylis
Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata retusa, Vanda cristata
10
Table 5: List of recorded orchids in the studied VDCs of middle cluster of Jajarkot district
N VDCs orchids
1 Khalanga Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,
Brachycorythis obcordata, Bulbophyllum Aerides odorata,
viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema
Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne
racemiferum, Coelogyne
corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata,
corymbosa, Coelogyne
Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis,
Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium cristata, Coelogyne
iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, flaccida, Coelogyne
Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium ovalis, Dendrobium
chryseum, Dendrobium densiflorum, aphyllum, Dendrobium
Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium bicameratum,
heterocarpum, Dendrobium longicornu, Dendrobium longicornu,
Gastrochilus calceolaris, Liparis
Kingidium taenialis,
viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia
Oberonia acaulis,
acaulis, Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis
retusa, Vanda cristata Rhynchostylis retusa,
Vanda cristata
2 Dhime Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe Coelogyne cristata,
tricarinata, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum,
Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium Dendrobium longicornu,
bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Vanda cristata
lanceum, Malaxis muscifera, Satyrium
nepalense, Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda
cristata
3 Talegaun Brachycorythis obcordata, Cleisostema Coelogyne corymbosa,
racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata,
aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu,
Dendrobium longicornu, Habenaria Vanda cristata
intermedia, Herminium lanceum,
Kingidium taenialis, Malaxis muscifera,
Oberonia acaulis, Satyrium nepalense,
11
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 Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides,
ovalifolia) 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,
12
Gastrochilus calceolaris, Liparis viridiflora, Kingidium
taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp, Vanda cristata
2 Asna (Terminalia Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata Dendrobium

alata) aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Oberonia acaulis,
Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata
3 Bael (Aegle Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Oberonia acaulis,

marmelos) Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa
4 Banjh (Quercus Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides,

leucotrichophora) 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 Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

wallichii) racemiferum, Coelogyne ovalis, Dendrobium aphyllum,
Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis
6 Bot dhanyero Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

(Lagerstroemia racemiferum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis,
parviflora) Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata
7 Chiuri (Diploknema Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Bulbophyllum

butyracea) 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 Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu,

(Ziziphus incurva) Kingidium taenialis, Vanda cristata
13
9 Jamun (Syzygium Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema
cumini) racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium
bicameratum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis,
10 Jhingane (Eurya Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu,

acuminata) Kingidium taenialis, Vanda cristata
11 Kadam Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

(Anthocephalus racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium
chinensis) longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis,
12 Kaphal (Myrica Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides,

esculenta) Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa,
Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium
iridioides, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium
bicameratum, Dendrobium chryseum, Dendrobium
longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis,
Vanda cristata
13 Kaulo (Persea Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Coelogyne cristata,

odorattissima) Coelogyne flaccida, Dendrobium aphyllum,
Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Vanda
cristata
14 Khayer (Acacia Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

catechu) racemiferum, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium
aphyllum, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis,
15 Khirro (Sapium Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

insigne) racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium
16 Khote salla (Pinus Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium heterocarpum,

roxburghii) Dendrobium longicornu
17 Kutmero (Litsea Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Dendrobium

monopetala) longicornu, Vanda cristata
18 Lakuri (Fraxinus Cleisostema racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum,

14
floribunda) Kingidium taenialis, Vanda cristata
19 Lali gurans Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides,

(Rhododendron Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa,
arboreum) 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 Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa,

(Engelhardia Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne
spicata) ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides,
Epigeneium amplum, Gastrochilus calceolaris,
Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata
21 Mayel (Pyrus Aerides multiflora, Bulbophyllum viridiflorum,

pashia) Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum,
Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne
flaccida, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides,
Epigeneium amplum, Gastrochilus calceolaris, Liparis
viridiflora, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda
cristata
22 Nibharo (Ficus Aerides odorata, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium

auriculata) aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis
23 Painyu (Prunus Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium

cerasoides) bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium
taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata
24 Pangar (Aesculus Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium

indica) longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata
25 Phalant (Quercus Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides,

lanata) Cleisostema racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa,
15
Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne
ovalis, Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides,
Dendrobium denudans, Dendrobium heterocarpum,
Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium taenialis, Oberonia
acaulis, Vanda cristata
26 Pipal (Ficus Aerides multiflora, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium

religiosa) longicornu, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata
27 Pipari Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

racemiferum, Dendrobium aphyllum, Oberonia acaulis,
Oberonia sp, Rhynchostylis retusa
28 Sal (Shorea Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

robusta) racemiferum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne
cristata, Coelogyne flaccida, Coelogyne ovalis,
Cymbidium elegans, Cymbidium iridioides, Dendrobium
aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum, Dendrobium
29 Simal (Bombax Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Epigeneium amplum,

ceiba) Oberonia sp, Vanda cristata
30 Sindure (Mallotus Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Dendrobium

philippensis) aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis,
31 Siris (Albizzia Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu,

julibrissin) Oberonia acaulis, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda cristata
32 Tooni (Toona Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Coelogyne ovalis,

ciliata) Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium bicameratum,
Dendrobium longicornu, Oberonia acaulis, Oberonia sp,
33 Utis (Alnus Chiloschista usneoides, Cleisostema racemiferum,

nepalensis) Coelogyne corymbosa, Coelogyne cristata, Coelogyne
flaccida, Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium
bicameratum, Dendrobium longicornu, Kingidium
taenialis, Oberonia acaulis, Vanda cristata
16
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
0 0
2 Khalanga 28 45’ 880” N; 82 10’ 806” E 1970m
3 Khalanga 280 42’ 768” N; 820 14’ 984” E 770m
0 0
4 Rokayagaun 28 56’ 419” N; 82 14’ 046” E 1800m
0 0
5 Rokayagaun 28 56’ 649” N; 82 13’ 455” E 2150m
0 0
6 Paink 28 54’ 452” N; 82 10’ 759” E 2150m
0 0
7 Paink 28 54’ 188” N; 82 10’ 211” E 1900m
0 0
8 Paink 28 55’ 532” N; 82 07’ 447” E 2300m
0 0
9 Garkhakot 28 52’ 311” N; 82 01’ 222” E 1690m
10 Garkhakot 280 50’ 191” N; 820 00’ 937” E 1800m
0 0
11 Garkhakot 28 49’ 174” N; 82 00’ 347” E 1950m
12 Majhkot 280 48’ 397” N; 810 58’ 726” E 1430m
0 0
13 Khagenkot 28 49’ 688” N; 82 22’ 920” E 1000m
17
Map 2: Orchid hotspots in Jajarkot district
18
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
19
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
20
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.
21
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
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.
22
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,
23
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,
24
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
25
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
26
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-
27
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-
28
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,
29
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
30
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
31
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.
32
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.
33
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

Area of
Orchids Estimated Total
Available Distribution Stock of
Name of Valuable Orchid Orchid Stock Forests of Orchids the Area
SN VDCs Orchid Spp /Patch /ha (kg/ha) (ha) (ha) (kg)**
Dendrobium
1 Khagenkot aphyllum 19 1920 0.2928 1953 195.3 57.18
Dendrobium
2 Ragda aphyllum 9 930 1.41825 3646 364.6 517.09
Dendrobium
3 Garkhakot denudans 2 180 0.2745 3320 332 91.13
Dendrobium
4 Garkhakot aphyllum 9 870 1.32675 3320 332 440.48
Dendrobium
5 Garkhakot bicameratum 9 900 1.3725 3320 332 455.67
Dendrobium
6 Majhkot denudans 2 170 0.25925 2053 205.3 53.22
Dendrobium
7 Majhkot aphyllum 6 580 0.8845 2053 205.3 181.59
Dendrobium
8 Majhkot bicameratum 7 700 1.0675 2053 205.3 219.16
Dendrobium
9 Kortang aphyllum 5 520 0.793 1583 158.3 125.53
Dendrobium
10 Kortang bicameratum 6 570 0.86925 1583 158.3 137.60
Dendrobium
11 Dashera aphyllum 3 350 0.53375 672 67.2 35.87
Dendrobium
12 Dashera bicameratum 4 400 0.61 672 67.2 40.99
13 Ramidanda Dendrobium 3 280 0.427 2245 224.5 95.86
34
aphyllum
Dendrobium
14 Rokayagaun aphyllum 7 720 1.098 5899 589.9 647.71
Dendrobium
15 Rokayagaun bicameratum 7 650 0.99125 5899 589.9 584.74
Dendrobium
16 Paink denudans 3 260 0.3965 4465 446.5 177.04
Dendrobium
17 Paink aphyllum 10 980 1.4945 4465 446.5 667.29
Dendrobium
18 Paink bicameratum 7 760 1.159 4465 446.5 517.49
Dendrobium
19 Sima aphyllum 6 650 0.99125 528 52.8 52.34
Dendrobium
20 Sima bicameratum 4 410 0.62525 528 52.8 33.01
Dendrobium
21 Khalanga denudans 4 440 0.671 4230 423 283.83
Dendrobium
22 Khalanga aphyllum 14 1390 2.11975 4230 423 896.65
Dendrobium
23 Khalanga bicameratum 10 1000 1.525 4230 423 645.07
Dendrobium
24 Dhime aphyllum 5 540 0.8235 4211 421.1 346.77
Dendrobium
25 Dhime bicameratum 4 370 0.56425 4211 421.1 237.61
Dendrobium
26 Talegaun aphyllum 9 940 1.4335 1237 123.7 177.32
Dendrobium
27 Talegaun 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.
35
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
36
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:
¾ Lack of inventory of orchid species and their abundance and distribution.

¾ Slow process to protect and manage critical wildlife habitats.
¾ Difficulty in identifying orchids during non-flowering seasons.
¾ Lack of awareness by developers on orchid conservation.
¾ Habitat destruction.
¾ Inadequate monitoring and regulatory mechanisms.
¾ 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
37
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:
¾ Conduct orchid survey biannually.

¾ 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.
¾ Rehabilitate degraded orchid habitats and promote the recovery of
endangered orchid species through the development and implementation of
management or recovery plans.
¾ 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
¾ Develop and review guidelines for rescue centres regularly.

¾ Establish at least two rescue centres to house plants illegally exported.
¾ Establish and maintain a gene bank of endangered orchid species.
¾ 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.
¾ Develop and institute cooperative agreements between private landowners
and the Government for the purposes of plant conservation and land
restoration.
¾ Re-establish decimated orchid populations by cultivating and propagating in
nurseries for re-introduction.
38
¾ Maintain and expand the orchid collection at the demonstration gardens.
Goal 2: Ensure sustainable use of orchids
a. Regulatory framework
¾ 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.
¾ A periodic review of the orchids on the protected list should be conducted for
nomenclature changes, addition or deletion of species.
¾ Legislate the nursery inspection form under the domestic trade regulations of
the Endangered Species Act.
¾ Develop a field collection policy to prevent the over-exploitation of wild
orchids and incorporate into the domestic legislation.
¾ Develop a registration process for orchid’s nurseries.
¾ Develop regulations governing artificial propagation of wild species of the
Trade in Endangered Species Act.
¾ 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
¾ 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.
¾ Conduct and support research for artificial propagation of Nepal’s native
orchid species.
39
Goal 4: Public education and awareness
¾ Develop and implement a public awareness program on the conservation of

orchids and on the relevant resolutions of CITES.
¾ Educate developers, visitors and commercial exporters on conservation issues,
CITES resolutions.
¾ Encourage individuals to purchase orchids from commercial growers, rather
than collecting from the wild.
¾ 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.
¾ Continue to erect posters at airports, hotels and wildlife attractions in order to
promote public awareness.
¾ 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).
¾ Continue to establish a photographic and herbarium collection of native orchid
species.
¾ Emphasize on the printing of orchid species in the postage stamps.
40
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.
41
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
¾ 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.
¾ Urgent need of plantation of suitable orchid host tree species and protection of
the naturally growing saplings of these host species.
¾ 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.
¾ 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.
¾ Establish and maintain a gene bank of endangered species.
¾ Maintain and expand the orchid collection at the demonstration gardens.
¾ Develop a field collection policy to prevent the over-exploitation of wild orchids
and
¾ Incorporate into the management plan of community forests as wells as
government managed forests.
¾ 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.
¾ 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.
42
¾ 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.
¾ Orchid reserves in orchid hotspots should be established for the preservation
and regeneration of orchids.
¾ The collection of wild species of orchids for commercialization should be banned
and the rare and endangered species should be introduced in Botanic gardens.
¾ Systematic research on propagation technique such as tissue culture should be
promoted for the commercially valuable orchids.
43
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London.
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Plants of Nepal, Vol. 1. British Museum, Natural History, London.
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USA.
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Orchid Soc. India 10(1-2): 1-12.
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Plants of Nepal. The Natural History Museum, London.
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Stock of Traded Orchids in Rolpa District. A Report Submitted to DFO Rolpa.
44
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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Nepal
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New Record for Nepal. Ibid. 7(1-4): 18.
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Conservation Need. In: Proceedings of Biotechnology Application for
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Hist. Soc. 73(3): 468-481.
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Record for Nepal. Newsletter of Himalayan Botany 24: 10-12.
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45

Survey and Enumeration of Orchids in Jajarkot District, Nepal

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Survey and Enumeration of Orchids in Jajarkot District, Nepal

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Survey and Enumeration of Orchids in Jajarkot

District Forest Office

Dipesh Pyakurel and Khilendra Gurung

Lastly, we would like to thank residents of 14 VDCs of Jajarkot who supported us

1.3 Limitations of the Study 2

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

2.2.5.2 Current Stock of Valuable Orchids 5

2.3 Assessment of Threats 5

2.4 Organization of Interaction Program with Stakeholders 6

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

3.5 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

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

Map of Orchid surveyed VDCs of Jajarkot District 3

Map of Orchid hotspots of Jajarkot District 18

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

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

1.3 Limitations of the Study

Many epiphytic orchids flower during September-October and terrestrial orchids

2.1 Study Area

2.2.1 Data Collection

2.2.2 Identification of Orchid Species

2.2.3 Identification of Orchid Hotspot

Orchids sampling and observation were conducted in defined habitats. The

2.2.4 Identification of Host of Orchids

Total number of plant of any species

2.2.5.2 Current Stock of Valuable Orchids

2.3 Assessment of Threats

The threats assessment of orchids was done by:

1. Observation and assessment of orchids habitat destruction

3.1 Distribution of Orchids in Jajarkot

2 Ragda Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora, Aerides

2 Majhkot Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,

4 Dashera Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,

2 Rokayagaun Brachycorythis obcordata, Calanthe Coelogyne corymbosa,

2 Bhur Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Aerides multiflora,

3.2.1 Host of Orchids

Table 6: Hosts of orchids in Jajarkot district

2 Asna (Terminalia Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata Dendrobium

3 Bael (Aegle Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Oberonia acaulis,

4 Banjh (Quercus Bulbophyllum viridiflorum, Chiloschista usneoides,

5 Bhalayo (Rhus Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

6 Bot dhanyero Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Cleisostema

7 Chiuri (Diploknema Aerides multiflora, Aerides odorata, Bulbophyllum

8 Hade bayer Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu,

10 Jhingane (Eurya Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium longicornu,