The orchids in habitat Orchid Review Susanne Masters Susanne Masters Orchids of Susanne Masters outlines the species found in this small country in

the , the diversity of their Coelogyne nitida was one of the orchids featured in Bhutan’s set of orchid stamps issued in 1976

habitats, and also discusses uses of Susanne Masters orchids locally and their conservation

Epiphytic falconeri can be seen growing on trees near Dochula Pass Susanne Masters

Dochula Pass is a gateway through the mountains when heading east from Butan’s capital, Thimphu. 108 chortens on the pass commemorate Butanese soldiers killed fighting Indian rebels in 2003 Galearis spathulata, prevoiusly Aorchis spathulata, grows on damp ground, in open spaces ➤

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hutanese orchids Environmental protection A diversity of habitats and 4,000m, forests are home to Susanne Masters span the alphabet from Economic exploitation of Bhutan’s Bhutan is one of the smallest countries orchid species that flower from spring BAcampe to Zeuxine. In the natural resources has been tempered in , occupying 384,394sq km. It through to autumn. In the subtropical capital city, Thimphu, it is easy and by legislation that prioritizes preserv- is located in the eastern Himalayas, at zone, between 150m and 2,000m, inexpensive to buy excellent, English ation. In fact, the Constitution of the the intersection of two biogeographic there are tropical and subtropical language wildlife guides, written Kingdom of Bhutan states in Article realms, the warm Indo-Malayan and forests, and grasslands, and orchid by Bhutanese people able to bring 5.1 that ‘Every Bhutanese is a trustee the temperate Palearctic. Altitude species can be found in flower all year. a wealth of local knowledge to their of the Kingdom’s natural resources ranges widely from 150m elevation botanical explorations. In contrast to and environment for the benefit of the in the subtropical lowlands of the Bhutanese orchids taxonomic tomes, local orchid guides present and future generations, and it south, to more than 7,500m in the There is a concentration of bio- that include photographs, such as is the fundamental duty of every citizen snow-topped mountains of the north. diversity in Bhutan including more An Illustrated Guide to the Orchids of to contribute to the protection of the This, combined with monsoon rains than 5,600 vascular species, of Bhutan (Gurung 2006), are invaluable natural environment, conservation of that fall predominantly in the south, which nearly 8% are orchids. Pearce if asking a local person about orchids. the rich biodiversity of Bhutan and creates a wide variety of habitats. & Cribb (2002) recorded 369 species In Bhutan, as in many parts of the prevention of all forms of ecological There are three distinct eco-floristic of orchid in Bhutan. They anticipated world, flamboyant epiphytic and degradation’. This is why, when other zones in Bhutan: alpine, temperate and that more species would be found subtropical species are considered Himalayan countries have had their subtropical. The alpine zone, above because they recorded 579 species to be orchids, while the less eye- landscapes transformed by rapid 4,000m, has no tree cover but scrub in floristically-similar areas of catching, terrestrial, temperate and development, Bhutan has maintained vegetation and meadows, where and . These areas fall under alpine species are not known as relatively intact landscapes and orchids flower in summer. In the the same botanical country code as Above and below Pleione hookeriana is considered difficult to cultivate, and is well worth seeing in the of interest to orchid fans. conserved more of its biodiversity. temperate zone, between 2,000m Bhutan, ‘East Himalaya’, according wild where it can grow in abundance, here it is growing along the Dochula Pass, where it flowers in May Susanne Masters Susanne Masters Susanne Masters

Bulbophyllum gamblei grows as an epiphyte or a lithophyte in broad-leafed Cephalanthera longifolia has a wide range and grows wild in Bhutan, and also forests in Bhutan, and in other countries of the eastern Himalayas in the UK where it has the common name narrow- or sword-leaved helleborine ➤

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Left Galearis spathulata, prevoiusly Aorchis spathulata, is an Alpine species Above left and right Cymbidium erythraeum Above Dendrobium fimbriatum is often used as decoration on temple altars has fragrant flowers with red markings Below Dendrobium nobile grows in east Asia and is used in Chinese medicine Left and below Cymbidium erythraeum in

Susanne Masters cultivation in Bhutan. The flowering stems are collected for use before the flowers fully open National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang Centre, National Biodiversity

to the International Working Group found in more locations. Furthermore, that is beyond the scope of this article. (4), Cryptochilus (2), Cypripedium (4), species, including Epipactis helleborine, shoots of Cymbidium erythraeum, on Taxonomic Databases (TDWG). orchid taxonomists may soon be able Gurung (2006) states that 100 genera Epigenium (4), Esmeralda (2), Eulophia and alpine species such as Galearis C. hookerianum, C. iridioides and Gurung (2006) records 423 species to contribute to Bhutanese orchid of orchids grow in Bhutan. However, (2), Gastrochilus (5), Habenaria (7), spathulata (Gurung 2006). However, C. elegans var. elegans, which are found in Bhutan and, despite having spent discoveries without travelling to since 2006, some genera listed below Herminium (6), Ione (3), Listera (3), collation of various sources adds on markets as seasonal vegetables, decades seeking orchids in Bhutan, Bhutan, as a project to digitize Bhutan’s have been merged with others. The Luisia (2), Malaxis (6), Neottia (3), taxa to some of these genera. For referred to as ‘ola-choto’ or ‘ola- notes that the east, west and south herbarium specimens is beginning. largest, in terms of number of species Neottianthe (2), Nervilia (3), Oberonia (7), example Gurung (2006) includes only tshae’. They are added to pork stew remain relatively under-explored, so Once digitized, specimens that are are: Bulbophyllum (31), Dendrobium (21), Odontochilus (3), Oreorchis (2), Otochilus Epipogium roseum, but Pearce & Cribb and provide a slightly bitter flavour, more species may be native to Bhutan. not identified to species level will be Cymbidium (16), (16), Coelogyne (2), Panisea (4) Peristylus (3), Phaius (4), (2002) reported E. aphyllum, and the or they are cooked with chillies and Numerous species have been circulated for identification online. (13), Calanthe (11), Liparis (11) and Pholidota (4), Platanthera (8), Pleione Thunder Dragon Orchid Conservation yak cheese, two key ingredients in recorded from single localities Goodyera (10) (Gurung 2006). Genera (4), Thrixspermum (2), Vanda (5) and Project also report E. japonicum. Bhutan. Coelogyne cristata flowers are including Bulbophyllum sterile, Calanthe Recorded orchid species with more than one species occurring Zeuxine (5) (Gurung 2006). also consumed and can be found on yuksomnensis, Didymoplexis pallens, The ongoing digitization work, and in Bhutan include: Acampe (3), Aerides The remaining 55 genera are Species of orchid used as food markets. Esmeralda cathcartii and Neottia microglottis and Panisea uniflora. taxonomic changes since 2006, mean (3), Agrostophyllum (2), Anoectochilus represented by one species in Bhutan. Orchids are put to various socio- Dendrobium hookerianum flowers have As orchid-orientated explorations of that a taxonomic update on Bhutan’s (2), Cephalanthera (2), Cheirostylis (4), These include subtropical species economic uses in Bhutan. Many are been observed on vegetable markets Bhutan continue, these species may be orchids will soon be due. However, Chiloschista (2), Chusua (2), Cleisostoma such as Rhynchostylis retusa, temperate used as food, including flowering although their sale is less common. ➤

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Young stems and flowers of Calanthe Orchids used as medicine have documented uses in traditional accessible and hydro-electric power species are not only edible but also Convention on Biological Diversity – plantaginea and C. triplicata are Various orchid species are used in medicine systems used in the projects are important components used as an active ingredient in a skin in Bhutan by developing experience collected and used as food, but they traditional medicine, which is an Himalayan region and it is likely that of economic development, but have care product developed by a Swiss in how such initiatives work. are rarely available on markets. This important component of healthcare these orchids have similar uses in a negative impact on orchids. company. The first payment from Bhutan’s National Biodiversity may be because Calanthe flowers are in remote areas. Gymnadenia orchidis Bhutan, which have not yet been Working in conjunction with the sales of Cymbidium flowers was used Centre is seeking funding to support easily damaged so not suitable for is referred to as ‘wangla’ in Bhutan. noted in scientific literature. Orchids construction process, under the to establish the Bhutan Access and expansion of their orchid conservation sale after having been transported. Dactylorhiza hatagirea is also called known to be used medicinally in Rescue and Restoration of Rare BenefitS haring Fund. This fund initiatives. Orchids with socio- ‘wangla’ although it was not recorded Bhutan include Gymnadenia crassinervis Plant Species project, the National has supported community projects economic uses and those that may Orchids used in temples in Bhutan by Pearce & Cribb (2002) roots, Coelogne oculata pseudobulbs Biodiversity Centre collects orchids for orchid propagation to promote be vulnerable to climate change, such Species used as altar decoration include or by Gurung (2006), but has been and other Dendrobium species. from affected areas and cultivates community income generation, as alpine species, are of particular Agrostophyllum callosum, Callostylis photographed by a member of staff them ex situ. In the long term these and help build capacity in orchid interest. Potential areas of focus could rigida, Dendrobium densiflorum, from the National Institute of Bhutanese orchid conservation plants will be reintroduced to the wild. propagation by farmers in order include further work on Cymbidium D. devonianum, D. fimbriatum, D. fugax Traditional Medicine (Bhutan). Two specific projects tackle different Another initiative aims to make to discourage collection from the and the development of projects on and D. nobile. Of these, D. fimbriatum is Unidentified Coelogne pseudobulbs aspects of the relationship between socio-economic use of orchids wild. This conservation project is genera such as Cypripedium. In both particularly suited to this purpose as it and Dendrobium stems are also used orchids and development: habitat sustainable, by protecting bio- also a significant step in putting into cases emphasis would be placed on lasts up to six months in water in which medicinally. Some of the orchids that loss and socio-economic use. Road diversity and sustaining its role operation the principles of Access and growing projects from grassroots level it readily roots, and even flowers. grow in Bhutan, such as Vanda testacea, construction is making Bhutan more in income generation. Cymbidium BenefitS haring – an element of the to engage and support communities. National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang A cultivation project aims to make the socio- economic use of orchids sustainable

Above Workers collecting the flowering stems of aCymbidium species growing on a sunny bank Right Planting Cymbidium spp on horizontal branches makes an attractive feature of these edible plants Below Workers wire Cymbidium spp onto branches packed with moss, in a lightly shaded area National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang

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National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang Left and right Susanne Masters Androcorys josephi is a geophytic orchid that Susanne Masters Susanne forms tubers. It grows in temperate–tropical Asia, including Bhutan Below A trek pony grazing on the Druk path, surrounded by Primula calderiana Bottom Neottia pinetorum flowering under a juniper tree on the Druk Path in June Susanne Masters

Left Cymbidium species can also be cultivated on vertical tree trunks Above Cymbidium plants are grown on under shade netting before being planted out as part of the community’s orchid growing project Community orchid projects promote local income generation, boost propagation skills and discourage collection from the wild Susanne Masters Where to see orchids in the wild Anthogonium gracile, Bulbophyllum of orchid habitats from tropical off-peak months. It is possible to meet references Degraded oak forest is reportedly the bisetum, B. cylindraceum, B. guttulatum, grasslands, temperate forests and these visa requirements when organi- Dorji, S (2008) The Field Guide to the richest habitat for orchids in Bhutan, Coelogyne barbata, Cymbidium scrublands to alpine meadows worth zing a trip independently, but easiest Orchids of Bhutan. Bhutan Orchid but different species grow across a erythraeum, Dendrobium chrysanthum, taking several days to explore. Jigme to do so via a tour company. With Science Society, Thimphu range of habitats, including grassland D. hookerianum and Spathoglottis ixioides. Dorji National Park, located mostly advance planning needed to organize Gurung, D (2006) An Illustrated and coniferous forest. While there Dorji Rabten of Como Hotels, and in Gasa district, ranges from 1,400m expensive and complicated visa requi- Guide to the Orchids of Bhutan. are orchids in flower in some areas in their Activity & Excursion team, have to more than 7,000m, and covers rements and travel route permits, as DSB Publications, Thimphu winter and spring, peak flowering several recommendations of places 4,000sq km. It too spans Bhutan’s well as in-country travel on mountain Pearce, N & Cribb, P (2002) season is summer to early autumn. to see orchids. Hiking from Dochula three climatic zones and contains both roads being slow, Bhutan can seem The Orchids of Bhutan. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh & Royal Hiking the Druk Path, a popular trek to Thinley Gang in Punakha district warm and cool broadleaf forest, mixed inaccessible. However it has retained Government of Bhutan, Thimphu. in the Paro and Thimphu districts, is a one-day downhill hike, within coniferous forest and alpine meadows. much more of its natural habitats than takes you to high altitudes in a short easy reach of Thimphu. Although other Himalayan countries, which distance. It passes through a range of it is better known as a spring hike Preparation before travelling makes Bhutan a unique country for acknowledgements temperate and alpine habitats, such for rhododendrons, magnolias and Travel in Bhutan on a tourist visa orchid appreciators to explore, The author thanks Leki Wangchuk, as marshy bogs and juniper forests primulas, more orchids are in flower requires pre-booking and pre-payment especially as there is much potential Dr Tashi Yangzome Dorji and that accommodate terrestrial orchids. between July and September. Royal of expenses, such as accommodation to add sightings to a relatively Mani Prasad Nirola from the Species flowering in June include Manas National Park is Bhutan’s and a licensed Bhutanese tour guide, to undocumented orchid distribution. n Bhutan National Biodiversity Galearis spathulata, Listera pinetorum oldest, and fouth largest park, and a minimum value per person per night Centre, Serbithang; the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry; Dorji and Androcorys josephi. In September, connects three districts, Sarpang, of US$250 (c.£160), in peak tourism Susanne Masters is an ethnobot- Rabten at Uma by Como, Paro; orchids flowering in subtropical Zhemgang and Pemagatshel. Within months (March–May, and September anist, currently doing PhD research and the Turkish Cultural Foundation forest in the Ha district, include the 1,000sq km park there is a range –November), and US$200 (c.£130) in on edible wild orchids in Turkey

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