of India

Flora
Series - 2

FLORA OF SIKKIM
Volume 1
(Monocotyledons)

Editors
P.R. HAJRA
D.M. VERMA

with assistance from

S. Bandyopadhaya
 of India
BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Flora
Series 2

FLORA OF SIKKIM
Volume 1
(Monocotyledons)

Editors
P.K. HAJRA
D.M. VERMA

with assistance from S.

Bandyopadhaya

BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

O Government
Date of Publication, December 1996
 of India
No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or means by electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of
the Director, Botanical Survey of India.

Cover Photo : A view of Khangchendzong from Thang sing (West Sikkim)

Price

Published by the Director, Botanical Survey of India, P-8, Braboume Road,

Calcutta-700001 and printed at Deep Printers, 3/26, Ramesh Nagar, New
Delhi-110015

(ii)
 Contents

Acknowledgements
Confributors
Introduction 1
Selected References 15
Enumeration of the Species 23
Index to Botanical Names 307
(iii)

Acknowledgements

It gives the editors great pleasure to record their thanks to all the
contributors.
They also express their thanks to Shri Utpal Chatterjce,
Scientist, and all staff members of Publication Unit, Botanical Survey
of India for their help.
Finally the editors acknowledge Shri M.L. Jain of Deep Printers
for printing of this volume.
 (v)

Contributors

BASU, P. Botanical Survey of India, P-8, Brabourne Road, Calcutta

700 001.

KRISHNA, B. Shiv Niketan, M.P. Sinha Road, Kadamkuam, 800

003.

KUMAR, S. Botanical Survey of India, Northern Circle, 192,

Kaulagarh Road, Dehra Dun 248 195.

MANDAL, N.R. Botanical Survey of India, Cenral National

Herbarium, P.O. Botanic Garden, Howrah 711 103.

MITRA, B. Botanical Survey of India, Central Botanical Laboratery, P.O

Botanic Garden, Howrah 711 103.

RAJU, D.C.S. "Lumbini", 7th Road, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500

034.

SINGH, PARAMJIT. Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim, Himalayan Circle,

Sikkim.

0. Densmg mstltute, Mlldas Road, Dehra Dun.

SRIVASTAVA, R.C. Botanical survey of India, Cenfral Circle, 10 Chatham

Line, Allahabad 211 002.
 (vii)

Hcdychwm sptcatum Buch Hoti* Stillth

Maimaichu Lake (East Sikkim Distnct)
 Arisaema griffithii Schott.
INTRODUCTION
(R.C. Srivastava)

The State of Sikkim situated on the flanks of the Eastern Himalayas

between 270 10' 2805' N and 88030' 890 E is bounded by Nepal in the West,
Bhutan in the South-East, Tibet in the North and North-East and the
Darjeeling district of West Bengal in the South.

The topography of this pretty Himalayan State is varied. The altitudes

range from 244 m to over 8598 m. Most of the 7300 sq km area is interlaced
with jungle-clad ridges and deep ravines created by, and through which, the
raging torrents of the mountain rivers speed and emerald valleys alternating
with their terraced hill-sides and dense norests ; a vanety 01 plant oeautles
mong wun water-iamS, rivulets, 1åKes and snow-capped mountains
girdling the state in a protective embrace, embellish the land.

The climatic, edaphic, altitudinal and biotic variations with their

complex inter-relationship and species composition have resulted in
different kinds of vegetation cover in the area. The forests cover ca 42.8%
(3124 sq. km) of the total geographic area, of which 2260 sq km are
protected and reserve forests. The state is very rich in biological ulverslty.
It is estimated that ca 5000 species of flowering plants, ca 350
pteridophytes and ca 15 species of Gymnosperms occur in this region. In
addition to these a large number of non-flowering plants such as liver-
worts, lichens, mosses, algae and fungi also occur.

CLIMATE : The abrupt variations in the altitude (elevations) have

created diverse climatic conditions. The climate is warm and humid during
summer and monsoon season (June Oct.) and moderately cold during
winter (Dec. Feb.) at lower elevations. The winter months become more
severe as one goes up. Places like Lachen, Lachung and Dzongri areas
remain almost snow covered during most of the winter months. The
perennial snow line however, begins from ca 4880 m only.

Most of the areas of the state are very wet during June to September,
except the areas in North which are shielded from the monsoon clouds

monsoon looses its intensity. Average annual rainfal is ca 4000 mm and

 2 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

average minimum/maximum temperature ranges between 4.20 17.1 0

C/13.90 23.90 C. Rainfall is usually very heavy during May Sept. being
maximum in July.

Relative humidity is 70 80% throughout the year and at most of the

places in Sikkim.

PEOPLE : Sikkim's population as per the 1991 census is 4,03,612 with

a density of 57 per sq. km. However, the density varies district wise due to
varied climatic conditions and topography. East district has the highest of
157, while it is 133 for South District, 83 for West District and only 7 for
North District. Gangtok being the Capital is the most populated place in
the State of which ca 83% is rural and consists mainly of Nepalese, Bhutia,
Lepcha, Limbus (very few). In the township, service group and business
people have come from the plains. But of these, Nepalese who themselves
have a conglomeration of different ethnic types are at present largest in
number. But the Lepchas (RongkupChildren of Rong, Rongpa ravine
dwellers) are the earliest settlers of Sikkim. They have an extremely well
stocked vocabulary on plants. (Rip-flower; Kung-tree). Even today the old
and rural folk can distringuish most of the species at a glance and tell their
local uses (mostly medicinal/edible). Sir J.D. Hooker the world renowned
explorer of the Sikkim Himalaya also mentioned in glorious terms about
the Lepcha's wonderful knowledge of the Sikkim plants.

The state has been divided into four districts viz. East, North, South
and West.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATIONS

Sikkim's botanical diversity has attracted a large number of plant

collectors from different parts of the world since Griffith's visit in 1843.
The famous botanist J.D. Hooker visited Sikkim during 1848-49 and the
account published by him in 'Himalayan Journals' is still one of the most
comprehensive description of the botanical splendour of this region.

Subsequently distinguished botanists such as Sir G. King, C.B. Clarke,

G.H. Cave, W.W. Smith and J.M. Cowan visited the area during later part
of the 19th century and early 20th century. In the post 1940 period,
comparatively little collections were made except for K.P. Biswas, R.S.
Rao, B.D. Sharma, B. Ghosh Hara et al. and A.R.K. Sastry & P.K. Hajra.
But the exploration work gained momentum after the establishment of the
Sikkim Himalayan Circle of the Botanical Survey of India at Gangtok in
December 1979. In the post 1979 period,
P.K. Hajra, P. Chakraborty, B. Krishna, A.K. Verma, D.C.S. Raju,
R.C. Srivastava, S. Kumar and N.R. Mandal, P. Basu, B. Mittal, S.
Singh, M. Sanjappa, M. Ahmedullah, V. Sampat Kumar, K.D. Kumar,
A.K. Raut, L.B. Chowdhury collected plants from different areas of the
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 3

state including the areas like Sakyong Valley (Lepchas land). The
Herbarium of this Circle until now houses ca 14000 specimens.

VEGETATION

Broadly Sikkim can be divided into three distinct botanical zones

viz. Tropical, Temperate and Alpine, depending on the elevation and
characteristics of the vegetation. The foothills of Sikkim are covered
with forests consisting of the species of Shorea, Adina, Dalbergia,
Dillenia, Artocarpus, Ficus, Bauhinia, Litsea„ Lagerstroemia,
Terminalia etc. In the lower hill ranges (600-1500m) the forests chiefly
include the species of Schima, Syzgium, Duabanga, Engelhardtia,
Ficus, Castanopsis, Pandanus, Cyathia, Michelia, Quercus, Saurauia,
Photinia, Juglans, Leucoceptrum etc.

The temperate vegetation comprises of forests consisting of the

species of Alnus, Acer, Betula, Magnolia, Rhododendron, Larix,
Berbeirs, Salix, Cotoneaster, Vaccinium, Daphne, Sorbus, Rubus and
the herbaceous species of Aconitum, Anemone, Potentilla etc. Abies
densa, L.arix grifithiana, Tsuga dumosa, Picea spinulosa and Taxus
wallichiana represent the coniferous belt in the altitudinal range of
The Rhoddendron-Conifer forests comprising of the
several species of Rhododendron, Daphine, Betula etc. mark the
timberline in the altitude of ca 4000m.
The alpine vegetation which occurs above 4500m and up to a limit
of ca 5500m is confined to moorlands of coarse meadows with many
stunted and dwarf shrubby speices of Rhododendron, prostrate plants
of Juniperus squammata and cushion-like herbaceous species of
Arenaria, Androsace, Aconitum, Cassiope, Saxifraga, Primula,
Pinguicula, Sedum, Rheum, Saussurea, Gentiana, Kobresia, Carex etc.

The vegetation in the area may be classified into the following

categories

i) Low Hill Forests (tropical to sub-tropical type, up to 900m)

: From the base (244m) to 900m, the sub-mountainous tracts are
inhabited by dense broad-leaved semi-evergreen forests with trees
attaining 24-36 m height. The rainfall is heavy, even up to 500cm
annually. Canes yams and other climbers are common. Epiphytes like
orchids, aroids etc. are abundantly represented. The undergrowth is
luxuriant and varied. Shorea robusta (sal) is very common, covering
large tracts especially along the Teesta and Rangit rivers. Schima
wallichii, Bauhinia purpurea, Cedrela toona, Stereospemum
 4 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

tetragonum, Bombax ceiba, Dillenia pentagyna, I.ngerstroemia

parviflora, Sterculia villosa, Terminalia myriocarpa, T. tomentosa and
Albizia spp. are prominent components of the forests. Other trees
occasionally met with Garuga pinnata, Cedrela microcarp, Amoora
wallichii, A rohituka, Chukrasi tabularis, Evodia mellaefola, Ailanthus
grandis, Duabanga grandiflora, Tetrameles nudiflora, Celtis tetrandra,
Castanopsis indica, Syzygium formosa, and Michelia champaca
together with laurel like Phoebe lanceolata, P. hainesiana, P. attenuata
Litsea polyantha and Cinnammomum tamala. Several species of
Artocarpus such as A. integrifolia, A. chaplasha together with
Bischofia javanica also occur. Large cultivated trees of Ficus elastica
are often seen along banks of the river Teesta, along side Pakyong road,
and near Dickchu. Occasionally interspersed in the forest are Ficus
semicordata and Pandanus nepalensis. Tree-ferns are not uncommon in
the low-land forests of Sikkim.

ii) Middle Hill Forests (subtropical type, 750-1500 m) : These

are formed largely of evergreen species which are dominant.
Deciduous trees may also occur. The trees are usually 20-30 m in
height. Epiphytes and climbers occur in large numbers. The
undergrowth is not usually dense and consists of numerous herbaceous
and shrubby speéies. Castanopsis tribuloides, C. indica, Schima
wallichii and Phoebe hainesiana are the commonest tree species
between 750 and 1200m. Michelia champaca and Stereospemum
tetragonum may also be occasionally met with. Other prominent
components of the forests of this region are : Drimycarpus racemosus,
Juglans regia, Engelhardtia spicata, Spondias lutea, Exbucklandia
populnea, Michelia cathcartii, Talauma hodgsonii, Saurauia
nepalensis, Ficus oligodon, F. semicordata, Betula alnoides, Alnus
nepalensis, Terminalia spp., Macaranga sp., Litsea polyantha, Phoebe
lanceolata, P. attenuata, and members of the family Meliaceae Large
evergeen trees of Quercus glauca, Q. spicata, Q. serrata, and Q.
griffithii grow in dense formations between 1200 and 1600 m or above.
Bamboos may also be found near habitations.

It will not be out of place to mention that Cryptomeria japonica is

being extensively cultivated It covers large areas and forms dense
forests between 1200 and 2400 m altitude. It thrives best in this climate
but due to rapid growth the wood remains soft and thus loses much of
its commercial values. The ground vegetation underneath these forests
is scanty due to lack of sun light and unsuitable substratum. Only a few
ferns grow on the fringes of such forests.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 5

iii) Upper Hillforests (Warm or wet temperate type 1500-2700

m) : The forests are evergreen with medium-sized trees, rarely over 24
m height. There are a number of deciduous tree soecies but these form
only a small proportion. Oaks and laurels form large patches in
otherwise mixed forests. The oaks have branched crowns and are
abundantly covered with mosses and other epiphytes. The forests
thick and the requisite amount of moisture available for the
ground growing as well as epiphytic vegetation. The shelter of trees
provided shade and prevents rapid air movements to a considerable
extent. This results in a prolific growth of small herbs, shrubs and fems
on the forest floor. Woody climbers are frequent but not conspicuous.

Several altitudinal zones may be distinguished by the preponderance

1 orv-t —
vøcaan suvu as Lauwab anu m, guercus 'ameuosa between 2100 and
2400 m and Q. pachyphylla between 2400 and 2700m, though freely
overlapping. Michelia cathcartii, Mangolia campbelli, Machilus edulis,
Quercus fenestrata and Castanopsis hystrix are quite common in all the
forests up to 2100m. Between 2100 and 2400 m of altitudes Quercus
lamellosa, Castanopsis tribuloides, Acer campbellii, wucnelia excelsa
and M. catncartii are dominant. uuercus lineata Betula alnoides and
Symplocos theaefoila are also frequently met with the former being
quite prominent. The oaks constitute the greater part of the of top
canopy and Lauraceae is usually relegated to the second storey, though
numerically predominant. Laurels like Machilus grammiana M.
gamblei M. edulis Litsea sericea, elongata L kingii, L zeylanica and
Cinnamomum obtusyouum are not uncommon. Alnus nepalensis grows
mainly along water courses and is the chief colonizer of new landslip
areas. Michelia excelsa is well known timber tree of this zone.

higher up, between 2400m and 2700m or so Quercus lamellosa

u. pachyphylla, Castanopsgs crw"'0'ues ncer campoe"ti Magnolia
campbelli Symploco theaefolia and Taxus wallichiana are the
prominent elements of the forests. Above 2700m in this zone Quercus
pachyphylla occurs in pure formations. Under the shade of these forest
Rhododendron grifithianum finds a favourable place. Dwarf bamboos,
Arundinaria spp. are not uncommon as undergrowth at higher altitudes.

iv) Rhododendron-Conifer Zone (cold temperate or sub-

alpine, 2700m-3600m) : The forests of this zone are also evergreen,
mainly composed of Rhododendrons and conifers. Quite often Quercus
pachyphylla and Q. lineata formations extend above 2,700m altitude
and Acer combellu, A. caudatum Betula utilis an Magnolia campbelli
 6 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

may also be met with though very infrequently. As one proceeds higher
up, there is a gradual replacement of oak trees by Rhododendron
arboreum R. campanulatum and R. grande and other species of the
genus. Betula utilits is occasionally found in the high level
Rhododendron
forest at the head of Lachen valley near or above Samdong (3300 m). Taxus
wallichiana grows in the forests as one proceeds above Lachung.
Interspersed with these are patches of Tsuga wallichiuma and Abies densa.
At about 2700-3000 m, in Lachen valley, Tsuga dumosa grows in
abundance and is the dominant tree. It also grows at Chhoka in West
Sikkim. Picea spinulosa grows abundantly on all the hills around Lachen
intermixed with Tsuga dumosa but does not reach the heigts above 3000
m. The bamboo, Arundinaria aristata forms dense undergrowth in silver fir
forests, especially where fire has destroyed the tree canopy. Abies densa
also occurs in almost pure formations between Karponang and Chhangu
(East Sikkim), and Simdong to Thangu (North Sikkim) extending upto
3600 m or a little above. Few trees of Salix wallichiana, are also seen
growing near Thangu along streams.

Rhododendron arboreum forms scrub on steeper slopes at about 3000

m. Above the tall tree line, the vegetation is a sort of mosaic of
Rhoodendron campanulatum, R. wightii, R. thomsonii, R. cinnabarinum
and R. decipens. Lacaita scrub on slopes near Chhangu (3900 m) and near
Thangu (3900 m). Rhododendron anthopogon, R. setosum and R. barbatum
may also be occasionally met with. Grasslands are frequent at 2700 m
altitude and above. Arisaema spp. may be found in open places. Various
species of Aconitum grow abundantly on the forest floor underneath
Rhododendrons at high altitudes especially around Thangu.

v) Alpine Scrub and Grasslands (3600-4300 m and above) : At the

heights above 3600 m where the tree line ends, Juniperous pseudosabina,
and J. recurva grow in bushy formations in North and East Sikkim especially
on the exposed sunny hill slopes around Thangu (4200 m) and Chhangu
(4300 m). Ephedra gerardiana covers vast areas tops of hills around Thangu
(ca 4200). The species has not been seen flourishing anywhere else. The
beautiful yellow-flowered Rhododendron lepidotum is another plant of high
altidudes (3600 m or above) and grows in exposed rock crevices, hardly
attaining 30 cm. In the open meadows on gentle mountain slopes a few
species each of the genera like Ranunculus, Anemone, Delphinium, Rhus,
Potentilla, Primula, Fragaria, Cassiope, Allium etc. are seen.

PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS

Owing to the varied climatic and ecological conditions in its entire

length and breadth, the Sikkim Himalayan region offers very suitable spots
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 7

into which a variety of floristic elements have migrated from several near
and far-off lands. Sino-Japanese elements (viz. species of Quercus, Schima
etc.) are quite common in this region. The floristic
elements of Western China, which are distributed all along the Sikkim
Himalayas are Aletris pauciflora, Anemone rupicola, A. vitifolia and
others. Primula sikkimensis and Magnolia campbellii are also the
species of Western China which extend from Yunnan in to the Eastern
Himalaya. The European and Mediterranian elements are represented
by the species of Ranunculus, Gentiana, Swertia, Anemone, Tamarix,
Allium, Artemisia, etc. The American elements in Sikkim flora are
exhibited generally by weeds of agricultural lands, open forest edges
and waste places e.g. Eupatorium adenophorum, E. odoratum,
Parthenium hysterophorus, Mikania cordata and Lantana camara.
African elements such as the species of Flacourtia, Grewia,
Holarrhena, Alstonia are represented in this region. The Siberian
elements are exhibited in many predominantly temperate genera like
Potentilla, Pedicularis and Lonicera. Tibetan elements like Hippobhae,
Prezwalskia etc. are also found. An example of considerable
phytogeographical significance is the occurrence of Glaux maritima
(Primulaceae) in Leh area of Kashimr and Llonhak valley of Sikkim.
This plant is distributed along the costal and inland salt marshes of
northen temperate and arctic regions. In addition to such examples,
there are very interesting areas that can be called 'Isolation belts' that
have led to the isolation of certian species. Meconopsis bella,
Cathcartia lyrata, Senecio chola, Sausurea laneana, Geranium spp.,
Primula elwesiana, Primula wattii and Swertia burkilliana sewe as such
examples in the Sikkim Hima14yas.

Studies made by Janaki Ammal in genera viz. Magnolia, Camellia,

Lonicera, Rhododendron and Vibumum represented by many species
in this region revealed high polyploidy which led her to consider this
region (Eastern Himalayas) as a region of active speciation. The
occurrence of many families and genera of primitive flowering plants
such as Magnolia, Manglietia, Euptelea, Tetracentron, Pycnarrhena,
Haematocarups, Aspidocarya, Holboellia, Etbucklandia, Houttuynta,
Myrica, Alnus and Betula has led Takatajan to consider this region
(Eastem Himalaya) the cradle of flowering plants.

PLANT RESOURCES
Germ
 8 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

In Sikkim, the tribal populations have primitive but importült

germplasm of several crops. Still there is a tendency to preserve local
land races and varieties of crop plants which are the
products of æy years of natural selection and contain
genetic resistance to pests and diseases and
adaptability to Noteworthy among these is the
prevailing enormous genetic i! Iskush, Maize, Wheat, Ginger,
Cardamom, Mango, Banana, Orange,
Saccharum etc. The region is particularly important for crop plants such as
brassicas, rice, cucumber, banana, mango, cardamom, Dioscorea,
Alocasia, Colocasia, Amorphophalus, and horticultural significance like
Orchids, Rhododendrons, Primulas, Pedicularis etc. Apart from these,
several other elements in the flora which may not have an obvious
economic value at present as the same has not been perceived as yet but in
future may prove to be of much economic value in view of new vistas in
plant research and changing patterns of our needs.

It is the sum total of such remarkable diversity which has made this
state to be a 'Gene-bank' for a number of food crops, forest trees, medicinal
plants, aromatic and highly ornamental plants etc.

Endangered plants
The flora of Sikkim is at present under great pressure due to biotic
factors like various developmental projects viz. many Hydel power projects,
road construction activities, heavy deforestation by buming and tree-felling
for preparation of agricultural fields, intensive grazing, tourist-bungalows
etc. These activities have many rich diversity on one side and on the other
side have initiated several new land slides zones due to which a large
number of precious rare plants are getting lost within a very short spell of
time. These include : Acer hookeri var. majus, Pimpinella tongloensis, P.
wallichii, Ptemopetalum radiatum, Lactuca cooperi, Arenerai thangoensis,
Coelogyne treutleri, Cymbidium ebumeum, C hookerianum, C. whiteae,
elegans, Cypripedium himalaicum, Didiciea cunninghamii, Diplomeris
hirsuta, Paphipedilum venustum, Zeuxine pulchra, Aconitum ferox,
Cotoneaster simonsii, Picrorrhiza kurrooa, Acronema pseudotonera,
Angelica bulbigena, Ceropegia hookeri, C. lucida, Codonopsis afinis,
Rhopalocnomis phalloides, Carex kingiana, Lloydia himalensis,
Aphyllorchis parviflora, Calanthe alpina, Ophiorrhiza lucida, Nardostachys
grandiflora, Dennataedtia elwesii, Mecodium levingei, Panax
pseudoginseng, Calamus inermis, Livistonia jenkisiana, Begonia rupicola,
B. satrapis, B. sanctata, Lagerstroemia minuticarpa, Vanda spectabilis,
Cyclogramma squanaestipes, Oreopteris elwesii, Christiopteris tripcuspis,
Rhynchospora sikkimensis, etc.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 9

Endemic plants

Endemics constitute another important element of biologically

interesting plants. Being confined to narrow and restricted ecological
nitches, they are more prone to extinction due to adverse biotic or natural
factors. Sikkim as such has comparatively less number of endemics
(which are confined to present political boundaries of Sikkim)
because many of them range from Nepal to Bhutan. It is estimated that
the total number of endemics truly confined to present Sikkim may be
ca 2 percent of the total number in the flora elements. These include
Agrostis neodebilis, Calamagrostis tripilifera var. tripilifera, C.
tripilifera var. cumminsit, Catabrosa aquatica, Cyathopus
sikkimensis, Drepanostachyum intermedium, Poa gammieana,
Trisetum sikkimense, Carex kingiana, Rhynchospora sikkimensis,
Coelogyne treutleri, Anaphalis cavei, A. hookeri, A. subumbellata,
Artemisia thellungiana, Blumea sikkimensis, Cremanthodium
decaisnei f. clarkei, C palmatum SSP. benthamii, Crepis atropappa,
Gentiana glabriuscula, G. prainii, G. pluviarum, G. recun'ata, Inula
macrospema, Jaeschkea microsperma, J. smithii, Ligularia dur, L.
hookeri ssp. clarkei, L pachycarpa, Saussureaforrestii, S. lineana, S.
nimborum, S. obscura, S. pantlingiana, Swertia ramosa, S. rex, etc.
besides many more.

To conserve the depleting resources of this region, several attempts are

being made. Kanchanjanga National Park, Fambongla Wildlife sanctuary
and Kabi sacred groove are good examples where several

Jawaharlal Botanic Garden, Saramsta Botanic Garden and Orchid

sanctuary, Rhododendron sanctuary near Yumthang, etc., wherein exist and
insist conservation of many species is being attempted. Different sacred
grooves situated in various parts of the state are playing a very positive role.
But at present the main emphasis is to relocate or recollect the threatened
taxa and attempts should be made for their in-situ conservation. However,
in some cases the help of advance technologies viz. Tissue culture technique
etc. can be used with advantage. In addition to this, the areas of diversity
centre like Pangolekha range, Tendong ridge, Sakyong valley, Dongbong
valley etc. should be brought under full protection.

Medicinal plants

Sikkim Himalayan region is the abode of a large variety of

medicinal plants. Prezwalskia tangutica, Nardostachys jatamansi,
Picrorrhiza kurrooa, Aconitum luridum, Podophyllum hexandrum,
Dactylorrhiza hatagirea, Taxus wallichiana, Ephedra gerardiana and
10 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Lycopodium clavatum constitute the most important medicinal plants

of the alpine •zone. Several medicinal plants like Dichroa febrifuga,
Houttuynia cordata, Artemisia vulgaris, Rubia cordifolia, Panax
pseudoginseng, Dioscroea deltoidea, Digitalis purpurea, Bergenia
ciliata are quite common in temperate and sub-temperate zones.
Tropical zone is also quite rich in the medicinal flora wherein plants
viz. Costus speciosus, Vitex negundo, Solanum viarum, Cissampelos
pariera, Woodfordia fruticosa, Oroxylum indicum, Alstonia scholaris,
Abroma augusta and to some extent Rauvolfia serpentina, Terminalia
chebula, Hollarhena pubescens etc. grow in good number.

Species of Horticultural importance

As the Flora of Sikkim includes plants of tropical, temperate and alpine

characters in great diversity, a large number of plants found wild in this state
(or the Eastern Himalayas as such), are of great horticultural importance.
Many of them have been introduced into the European gardens. These
include the species like : Hedychium gardenerianum, Luculia gratissima,
Allium wallichii, Acer oblongum, Anemone vitifolia, Arisaema griffthii,
Berberis aristata, B. asiatica, B. sikkimensis, Bergina ciliata, Betula utilis,
Boenninghausenia albiflora, Cautleya gracilis, C. spicata, Cymbidium
cyperifolium, Daphne bholua, Juniperus recurva, Mahonia acanthifolia,
Meconopsis bella, Meillia thyrsiflora, Paris polyphylla, Pleione praecox,
Polygonatum oppositifolium, Prunus cerasoides, Rhododendron
anthopogon, R. arboreum, R. barbatum, R. hodgsonii, R. nivate, Rosa
macrophylla, R. sericea, Vandopsis undulata, Vibumum cordifolium,
Primula spp. and many others. But still several species of Corydalis,
Gentiana and Primula being of interest and beauty, await introduction.

Food plants

There are over 350 species of flowering plants and Pteridophytes

found wild in diverse localities of Sikkim which may serve as
emergency life-saving food-products. These include : flowers of Urtica
dioca, U. paniflora (Sisnoo-Nep.) ; rhizomes of Dioscorea species
(Tarul-Nep.) , fruits of Aesandra butyracea (Chiwari-Nep, Yelkung-
Lep.) ; Calamus erectus (Betfal-Nep., Rue-Lep.); Elaeagnus conferta
(Malindo-Nep.); Heracleum lanatum (Chimpin-Nep.) ; Podophyllum
hexandrum (PapriNep.); Machilus edulis (Lepcha-Kawla, Phunchey-
Nep., Phom-KungLep.) ; Melia eubia (Lapsi-Nep., Silot-Kung-Lep.) ;
Morus australis (Sanukimbu-Nep., Mekrape Kung-Lep.), Terminalia
chebula (HaraNep., selim pot-Lep.), Zanthoxylum acanthopdium
(Bogay TimureNep., Nangryupot-Lep.) ; leaves of Phytolacca acinosa
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 11

(Jaringo-Nep.) ; young shoots of Rheum nobile (Tohuka-Nep.)

Diplazium esculentum, sheath from young shoots of Polygonum molle
and Ficus virens; tubers of Satyrium ciliatum (Khiru-Tibetan) ; flower
buds of Bauhinia purpurea ; inflorescence of Tupistra natans (Nakima-
Nep.). Leaves of Camellia kissii and bark of Betula spp. are used for
making tea, white millet. Rhododendron (Flowers), Junipers, com, East
Himalayan cherry etc. are brewed as local wine which are named after
the source plant viz. Guras wine, Cherry brandy, Juniper wine etc.

Fire-wood yielding species

Due to the total dependence of the rural folk on fire wood for
cooking and warming of the houses, any woody plant is cut and used
as a fire wood ; yet some important firewood yielding species include
Alnus nepalensis (Utis-Nep.), Betula cylindrostachys (Saur-Nep.)
Castanopsis indica, Engelhardtia spicata (Mauwa-Nep.), Toona ciliata
(Tooni-Nep.), Cryptomeria japonica (Dhupi-Nep.), Acer campbellii
(Kapasey-Nep.), Schima wallichii (Chilaune-Nep.), etc. At higher
elevations even the plants like Abies densa, Tsuga dumosa, Picea
smithiana, Rhododendron spp. Lnrix grifithiana are also used.

Timber yielding species

Most important timber yielding species of the State include Shorea

robusta, Tectona grandis, Juglans regia, Castanopsis indica, Quercus
lamellosa, Toona ciliata, Cryptomeria japonica and Terminalia
myriocarpa.

Dye yielding plants

Most important plants used on commercial scale include : roots of

Rumex nepalensis (Halhale-Nep.), stem of Ruia mmjith (MajithoNep.)
; bark of Mahonia nepalensis (Kerapsing-Bhutia) • e, fruits of
Dichroafebrifuja (Basak-Nep., Gebokhamok-Lep.); leaves of
Symplocos glomerata (Sungi-Nep.) ; bark of Juglans regia (Okhar-
Nep.) etc. In addition to these several other dye yielding plants viz.
Byxa orellena, Mallotus philippensis, several spp. of Indigofera etc.
occur wild in the state.

Fodder yielding specie

Although a iarge number of species are employed for feeding the

livestock, yet the preferred ones include Ficus auriculata, F. oligiodon,
12 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

F. hirta, F. hispida, F. virens, F. clavata, F. nemoralis, Sauraia

nepalensis, Morus alba, Brasssiopsis mitis, Artocarpus lakoocha,
Grewia oppositifolio, Utsea polyantha etc.
Botanical curiocities

Several examples of biologically very interesting plants in Sikkim

Flora include the insectivorous plants like Droser.a bumanii, Pingicula
alDina, Utricularia SOD. (Lentibulariaceae). beautiful Darasites like
Aeginitia indica (Orobanchaceae) etc. Several plants, which grow
especially in the high alpine meadows, survive exu•eme adverse
ecological conditions by special adaptations; e.g. woolly species of
Saussurea (S. gassypiphora) or cushion like or bushy habit (species of
Arenaria, Festuca, Juniperus, Gaultheria, Saxifraga etc.). Some of the very
ancient living angiosperms viz. Magnolia pterocarpa (Magnoliaceae),
Tetracentron sinense var. himalayana (Tetracentraceae), Talauma
hodgsonii (Magnoliaceae) occur in this state. Several medicinal plants like
Podophyllum hexandrum, Panax pseudoginseng, Dactylorrhiza hatagirea,
Picrorrhiza kurrooa, Nardostachys grandiflora, Berberis aristata, B.
asiatica, Valeriana wallichii, Ephedra gerardiana var. stmmensis, Taxus
wallichiana, Mandragora caulescense, Aconitum ferox, A. spicatum,
Dioscorea deltoidea, Rauvolfia serpentina etc. which created sensational
news are natural components of Sikkim Flora.

A large number of epiphytes such as foliose lichen; a variety of

mosses and fems cover available space on the bark of the roots suspended
in the air with the ability to absorb moisture from the mist and the clouds.
Some species of Rhododendron, Impatiens (1 sp.) Aeschenanthes,
Polygonatum. Cautleya, Hedychium, Gonatanthus and many orchids and
aroids are epiphytic in these forests.

Sacred groves are playing important role in 'in-situ' conservation of the

indigenous elements of the Flora and Fauna of Sikkim. Most of these are
the Dlace of worshiD and have Monastery at the summit. A few like Kabi-
sacred grove being the place of union of Lepchas and Bhutias, are of
historical importance. Many of them are declared as 'reaserve forests' and
are well protected from the biotic pressure. Khetchipuri Sacred-grove in
West district, Mt. Mainam, Rabong, Tendong Sacred groves in South
district, Churten Sacred grove in East district and Kabi Sacred-grove in
North district are a few good examples where a variety of precious
elements of Flora and Fauna are well protected. Cyathea spinulosa and C.
gigantea the tree-ferns which are under threat due to demand of their trunks
in orchid-culture and trade, are well protected in Churten Sacred-grove.
Camellia kissi the wildtea is common in the protected woods around
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 13

Khetchipheri lake. 'RedPanda' (Ailurus fulgens) the State-Animal of

Sikkim-finds the dense
thickets of Kabi Sacred-grove quite suitable for its inhabitation.
Dendrobium nobile the State-Flower of Sikkim is also quite common
here.

Conservation aspects

Vavilov (1951) was very correct in saying that "many of the areas
of centre of origin of crop plants are the areas where the tribal people
live, and sooner or later the Governments of these regions, are bound
to uplift them socially and economically. Once these communities are
in different socio-economic milieu, the working of thousands of years
of natural selection will be lost because the people would like to go in
for high out-put agriculture." This statement is very true in case of
Sikkim.

During the recent past a great deal of damage has been done to the
richness of the biodiversity of Sikkim Himalayas. The forests have
been denuded by the haphazard felling of trees for timber, through
unmanaged grazing, road-construction activities etc. Rural folk of
Sikkim still depend totally on firewood for cooking and also for
warming their houses.Frequent landslides resulting from deforestation
are swallowing several habitats of many biologically and economically
important plants even before they or their utility is known to the
society.

Not only deforestation, but even afforestation programmes are also

responsible to a greater extent for the loss of biodiversity of Sikkim
Flora. Plantation of exotic trees like Cryptomeria japonica, Pinus patula
etc. may have added to the glamorous green-cover but the fact is that
because of its impact on soil, several precious elements of the ground
flora are getting lost. Actually the indigenous species like Alnus
nepalensis, Duabanga grandiflora, Terminalia myriocarpa etc. should
be included in afforestation programme. Now a days great emphasis is
being paid on promotion of Tourism in the State which is showing a
disruptive influence on local traditional and social mores by
introducing new and not necessary desirable life-styles, and has
destructive effect on biodiversity as well.

Because of large scale cultivation of large-cardamom which is a

major revenue yielding crop of the State, several precious elements of
ground Flora (e.g. Paphiopedilum venustum-the lady's slipper orchid)
are getting lost.
14 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Another major threat to the floristic diversity is the mushroom

growth of small and large scale Hydel-power projects. These are
causing an irrepairable damage to Flora of the State.
Being the border line state defence set-ups in Sikkim cannot be
avoided. But it has definitely resulted in a large scale deforestation and soil
erosion because the impact of army activities on the fragile ecosystem and
geological aspects have not been taken into consideration.

Bitnough several botanical expeditions have been made to Sikklm

since 1843, yet even today any serious botanical exploration yields a
number of novelties such as new taxa, new records, and many interesting
plants, some of which are of great economic and botanical importance.
Therefore, our present knowledge about the plant resources of Sikkim is
not the last word on the real situation in this region. Still much is to be done
and much is to be known about the hidden 'Green-Gold' treasure of the
State.

The strategy of utilization• of plant resources of the Sikkim Himalayas

is to be drawn after taking into consideration all the factors and to ensure
that the large variety of flora of this region not only continues to survive
but maintains conditions for the evolution of the flora i.e. for speciation or
origin of new taxa.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 15

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16 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

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 FLORA OF SIKKIM 17

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18 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

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 FLORA OF SIKKIM 21

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Bot. 4 (6) : 239 258.
SMITH, H.W. (1913) The Alpine and Sub - alpine vegetation of
South - Eastern Sikkim. Rec. Bot. Sun. India 4(7) : 323 -431.
SMITH, W.W. AND G A. CAVE (1911). The vegatation of
Zemu and Llonakh valleys of Sikkim. Rec. Bot. Surv. India 4 (l) : 141
260.
SMflH., H.W. AND G.H. CAVE (1913). A note on the
Himalayan species of Daphne. Rec. Bot. Surv. India 6(2) : 45 54.
SRIVASTÅVA, R.C. (1990) A note on the arrow poison used by
Lepchas of Dzongu in Sikkim and its antidote. Nat. Acad. Sci. Letters 13
(ii) : 399 400.
SRIVASTAVA, R.C. (1991) Gnephdlium affine D.Don„a less
known useful herbs of Sikkim, Ibid 14 : 9.
SRIVASTAVA, R.C. (1992) Maple family (Aceraceae) in Sikkim.
Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 62 (B) : 385 - 392.
SRIVASTAVA, R.C. (1993) Gymnosperms of Sikkim, Asia J. Life.
Sci. 2
SRIVASTAVA, R.C. (1993) High altitude medicinal paints of
Sikkim. Jour. Res. Edu. Ind. Med. 1993 (Jan. - March) 5 14.
22 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

SRIVASTAVA, R.C. (1994) Diversity of Flora of Eastern

Himalaya and its conservation, in Dwivedi & Pandey (ed.) Biotechnology
in India, India.
SRIVASTAVA, R.C. AND A.K. MAINERA (1994) Dactylorhiza
hatagirea (D.Don) Soo - a less known medicinal plant of Sikkim. Nat.
Acad. Sci. Letters.
THAPA, J.K. (1966) Primitive maize with the Lepchas. Bull.
Tibetol. 3 (1) : 29 32.
WHITE, J.C. ( 1909) Sikkim and Bhutan ; Twenty one years on the
North - East, Frontier, 1887 - 1908.
PLAN OF ENUMERATION
The families are arranged in the sequence of Bentham &
Hooker's Genera Plantarum (1862 - 63) which was adopted in J.D.
Hooker's Flora of British India (1872 - 97), but their delimitations
have sometimes been amended in accordance with later concepts. For
example Scitamineae of Flora of British India (FBI) is here divided
into Zingiberaceae, Cannaceae, Marantaceae and Musaceae. Genera
and species are listed alphabetically. A good number of exotic taxa
have been included, especially those which have become or are
becoming naturalised or have become prominent feature of the general
vegetation. For each species, the accepted correct name with its place
and date of publication, basionym, if any, and a few synonyms
relevant to nomenclature or to earlier important regional publications
are given. The local names are given in capital letters followed by the
name of the languages in brackets. The local language are abreviated
as Lep. (Lepcha), Nep. (Nepali), and Bhut. (Bhutia), Tib. (Tibetan).
Other abbreviations used in literature citations are listed separately.
Only brief distinguishing characters are mentioned. The
information about the distribution within Sikkim is provided. The
localities of recorded occurence are followed by the altitudes of
occurence. The period of flowering/fruiting is also provided in most
of the cases. Additional information regarding economic importance
or any other peculiarity is sometimes given under notes.
BURMANNIACEAE
(R.C. Srivastava)
BURMANNIA L.
Burmannia coelestis D. Don, Prodr. Fl. Nep. 44. 1825; Hook.
f. , F.B.I. 5: 665. 1888 ; Hajra in Fasci. Fl. India 19 : 9. 1988.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 23

Herbs, up to 20 cm tall. Leaves linear-lanceolate, acute or

acuminate. Flowers blue or purplish with yellow lobes.
Sikkim, s. l. ; up to 1500 m.
Fl. & Fr. : June Nov. In marshy habitats.
B. disticha L., sp. Pl. 1 : 287. 1753; Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 644. 1888 ;
Hajra, l. c. 11.
Herbs, up to 50 cm tall. Leaves linear or lanceolate, 2 - 12 x
0.5 I .5 cm, acute or acuminate at apices. Flowers blue or purple with
yellow tipped greenish lobes.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 1000 1500 m.
Fl. & Fr. : June Sept. In paddy fields.
B. nepalensis (Miers) Hook.f., F.B. I. 5 : 666. 1888 ; Hajra, l.c.
12. Gonyanthes nepalensis Miers in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 18 :
537. t. 38. f. 1. 1841.
Herbs, up to 15 cm tall. Leaves reduced to scales, appressed to
stem, elliptic. Flowers white with yellow tinge.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 1000 1500 m.
Fl. : July Sept. In moist habitats.
ORCI-HDACEAE
(R.C. Srivastava)
ACAMPE Lindl.
Acampe ochracea (Lindl.) Hochr. in Bull. New York Bot.
Gard. 6 : 270. 1910. Saccolabium ochraceum Lindl. in Edw., Bot.
Reg: Misc. 2. 1842 ; Hook. f, F.B.I. 6 : 62. 1890.
Epiphytes. Leaves oblong. Flowers yellow, ca 10 mm across,
borne on leaf-opposed 2 6-flowered panicles.
In valleys.
Fl : Nov. Dec.
A. papillosa (Lindl.) Lindl., Fol. Orchid. 2. 1853. Saccolabium
papillosum Lindl. in Bot. Reg. t. 1552. 1841 ; Hook. f., F.B.I. 6 : 63.
1890.
Epiphytes. Leaves coriaceous, curved, conduplicate, apically
truncate or obliquely notched. Flowers yellow with brown base, ca 8
mm across.
Found at lower elevations.
Fl. : Oct. Jan.
24 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Notes : Roots tonic,• said to have cooling effect, useful in

rheumatism.
A. rigida (Buch. - Ham. ex J.E. Sm.) Hunt in Kew Bull. 24 : 98.
1970. Aerides rigida Buch. Ham. ex J.E. Sm. in Rees, Cyclop. 39,
Aerides n. 12. 1819. Saccolabium longifolium (Lindl.) Hook.f.,F.B.I.
6 : 62. 1890 ; King & Panti. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. calc. 8 : 220. t.
292. 1898. Acampe longifolia (Lindl.) Lindl., Fol. Orch. Acampe 1.
1853. Vanda longifolia Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 215. 1833.
Epiphytes. Leaves oblong, coriaceous. Inflorescence leaf
opposed, much shorter than the leaves.
Found in tropical valleys ; up to 1500 m.
Fl. : June.
ACANTHEPHIPPIUM Bl.
Acanthephippium striatum Lindl. in Bot. Reg. 241. 45. 1838 ;
Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 816. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs with ovoid pseudobulbs. Leaves
subcoriaceous, plicate, elliptic. Flowers dull white, suffused and
blotched with yellow, the apices of sepals and petals purplish.
Sikkim, s.l. 600 1200 m.
Fl. & Fr.: April May.
A. sylhetense Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 117. 1833 ; Hook.f.,
F.B.I. 5 : 815. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs with elongate - obpyriform pseudobulbs.
Leaves elliptic. Flowers pale pink with bold red lines ; lip yellow tinged.
Sikkim, s. l. , 540 900 m.
Fl. : July Aug.
ACRIOPSIS Reinw. ex Bl.
Acriopsis javanica Reinw. ex Bl., Bijdr. 377. 1825 ; Hook f.,
F.B.I. 6 : 79. 1890. Acriopsis harai Tuyama in J. Jap. Bot. 39 : 129.
1964 ; Pradhan, Ind. Orch. 2 : 717. 1979.
Sympodial epiphytes. Rhizomes creeping. Pseudobulbs crowded.
Flowers 2 - 40 mm apart, 8 14 mm across, lip 3 lobed.
In the vicinity of Gangtok ; ca 1000 m.
Fl.: April.
ACROCHAENE Lindl.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 25

Acrochaene punctata Lindl., Fol. Orchid. 1. 1853 ; Hookf., F. B.l.

5 : 783. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs with ovoid pseudobulbs. Leaf solitary, oblong,
petiolate. Flowers pale yellowish green, dotted and streaked with purplish
brown.

Sikkim, s.l. , 1500 1800 m.

Fl. : Oct. Nov.
AERIDES Lour.
Aerides multinora Roxb., Pl. Corom. 3 : 68. t. 271. 1820 ; Hook.
f., F.B.I. 6 : 44. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs with stout stem. Leaves narrowly oblong. Flowers
white, marked with pink or purple.
In tropical valleys ; up to 1100 m.
Fl. : April.
A. odorata Lour., Fl. Cochinch.,2 : 528. 1790 ; Hook.f., F. B.l.
6 : 47. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs. Stems stout. Leaves flat, keeled oblong, unequally
Inheri At aner Flowere white enntted with nink

Sikkim s. l. , ca 1200 m.
Fl. : May June.
AGROSTOPHYLLUM Bl.
Agrostophyllum brevipes King & Pantl. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard.
Calc. 8 : 156. t. 213. 1898.
Epiphytic herbs. Khizomes narrow, covered Witn spreading
subulate scales. Leaves linear-oblong, membranous. Flowers white,
column and anther red.

Sikkim, s.l. , ca 600 m.

Fl. July.
A. callosum Reichb.f. in Sem. Fl.Vit. 296. 1868 ; Hook.f.,
F.B.I. 5 : 824. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs. Rhizomes stout, branched, clothed with triangular
scales. Leaves sessile, linear-oblong. Flowers reddish, borne in heads.
Sikkim, s.l. , ca 1800 m.
FL. : June July.
26 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

A. khasianum Griff. in Calc. J. Nat. Hist. 4 : 378. t. 19. 1844 ;

Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 824. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs with tufted double fusiform compressed,
sheathed stem. Leaves narrowly oblong, subcoriaceous. Flowers
white with pale yellow patches.
In tropical valleys.

Fl. : Aug.
A. myrianthum King & Pantl. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc. 8 :
155. t. 211. 1898.
Epiphytic herbs. Rhizomes stout, clothed with adpreSsed lanceolate
scales. Leaves linear-oblong, sub-coriaceous. Flowers yellow.
Teesta valley ; ca 3600 m.
Fl. : Aug.
AMITOSTIGMA Schltr.
Amitostigma puberula (King & Pantl.) Schltr. in Fedde Repert.
4 : 92. 1919. Orchis puberula King & Pantl. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard.
Calc. 8 : 304. 1898.
Terrestrial herbs, less than 15 cm tall. Leaf solitary, linear.
Flowers white.
Lachung valley ; ca 3000 m.
Fl. : July.
ANOECTOCHILUS Bl.
Anoectochilus crispus Lindl. in J. Linn. Soc. 1 : 180. 1857.
Odontochilus crispus (Lindl.) Hook. f., F.B.I. 6 : 99. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs, up to 20 cm tall. Leaves ovate, acute. Sepals
green ; petals and lip white with yellow tinges on sac.
Mahalderam Peak (?) ; ca 1800 m.
Fl. : sept.
A. elwesii (Clarke ex Hook. f.) King & Pantl. in Ann. Roy. Bot.
Gard. Calc. 8 : 296. t. 394. 1898. Odontochilus elwesii Clarke ex
Hook.
f., F.B.I. 6 : 100. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs, up to 25 cm tall. Leaves ovate. Sepals green with
white mid-ribs and brown tips. Petals white with brown tips. Lip white.
teeth of claw brown- basal cac green-

Chungthang, Tendong ; 900 1800 m.

 FLORA OF SIKKIM 27

Fl. & Fr. July-Aug.

A. grandiflorus Lindl. in J. Linn. Soc. 1 : 179. 1857.
Odontochilus grandiflorus (Lindl.) Benth. in Gen. Pl. 2 : 598. 1883
; Hook. f, F.B.I. 6 : 100. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs, up to 45 cm tall. Leaves elliptic. Flowers green,
mottled with white and tipped with pink. Tendong ; 1200 1800 m.
Fl. : July.
A. lanceolatus Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 499. 1840.
Odontochilus lanceolatus (Lindl.) Bl., Orchid. Arch. Ind. 81 1858 ;
Hook.f., F.B. 1. 6 : 101. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs, up to 30 cm tall. Leaves ovate-lanceolate.
Flowers pale green ; dorsal sepal brown-tinged ; lip bright yellow anthers
pink.
Yoksum ; 1500 2100 m.

Fl. : July sept.

A. roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. in Royle, Illustr. Bot. Himal. 368.
1839 & Gen. & sp. Orchid. 499. 1840 ; Hook. f., F.B.I. 6 : 95. 1M).
Chrysobaphus roxburghii wall., Tent. Fl. Nep. 37, t. 27. 1826.
Plants including inflorescence less than 30 cm tall. Leaves ovate
or ovate-oblong, velvety, purplish red with golden reticulations. Flowers
white.
In tropical valleys.
Fl. : Nov.
A. sikkimensis King & Pantl. in J. Asiat. Soc. Beng. 65 : 124.
1896.
Plants less than 23 cm tall. Leaves elliptic ovate, velvety, dark red,
with golden yellow veiris on upper surface, dull red beneath. Flowers
olive green and white.
Sikkim, s.l.; 900 1500 m.
Fl. : sept.
ANTHOGONIUM Wall. ex
Lindl.
Anthogonium gracile Wall. ex Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 426.
1840 ; Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 822. 1890.
Terresfrial herbs with small ovoid pseudobulbs. Leaves 2-5,
linear, plicate, sessile, sheathing. Flowers white or rose coloured ; lip
white with dark purple spots ; anthers bright yellow.
On way to Lachen ; 1200 2100 m.
 28 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Fl. : sept.
APHYLLORCHIS Bl.
Aphyllorchis alpina King & Pantl. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc.
8 : 26. t. 347. 1898.
Terrestrial herbs up to 75 cm tall. Stems sheathed. Flowers
yellowish red.
Singale La, Mon Lepcha (?) ; ca 4200 m.
Fl. : July Aug.
A. montana (Thw.) Reichb.f. in Linnaea41 : 57. 1876 ; Hook.
f., F.B.I. 6 : 116. 1890. Apaturiamontana Thw., Enum. Zeyl. 301. 1861.
Aphyllorchis prainii Hookf., F.B.I. 6 : 117. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs, 60 cm tall. Whole plant pale brown except
yellow pollinia.
Sikkim, s.l. ; ca 600 m.
Fl. Aug.
A. pantiingii W.W. Smith in Rec. B.S.I. 4 : 243. 1911. A.
parviflora King & Pantl. in J. Asiat. Soc. Beng. 65 (2) : 128. 1896 et
in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. calc. 8 : 262. t. 348. 1898.
Terrestrial herbs, ca 35 cm tall. Almost all parts pale brown except
white anthers and yellow pollinia.
Lachung ; ca 3000 m.
Fl. : July.
APOSTASIA Bl.

Apostasia wallichii R. Br. in Wall. , Pl. Asiat. Rar. 1 • 75. t. 84.

(A. odorata) 1830 ; Hook. f. F.B.I., 6 : 175. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs, 30-60 cm tall. Leaves linear, lanceolate.
Flowers yellow.
Sikkim, s. 1.; (cf. Hara et al. 1978).
APPENDICULA Bl.
Appendicula cornuta Bl., Bijdr. 7 : 302. 1825. A. bifaria Lindl.
in Hook.f., F.B.I. 6 : u. 1890.
Herbs with tufted, slender, leafy, often compressed stem. Leaves
many, lanceolate. Flowers white, flushed with yellow.
In tropical valleys.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 29

Fl. : Aug.
ARACHNIS B 1.
Arachnis cathcartii (Lindl.) J.J. Smith in Naturw. Tijdrachr.
Nederl. Ind. 72 : 75. 1912. Vanda cathcartii Lindl., Fol. Orchid.
Vanda. 8 : 1853. Arachnanthe cathcartii (Lindl.) Benth. in Benth. &
Hook. f., Gen. Pl. 3 : 573. 1883 ; Hook.f., F.B.I. 6 : 27. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs. Stems stout, pendulous. Leaves sessile,
oblong, unequally and obliquely bifid at apex. Flowers brown-yellow
on upper surface.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 900 1800 m.
Fl. : March April.
ARUNDINA Bl.
Arundina graminifolia (D. Don) Hochr. in Bull. New York Bot.
Gard. 6 : 270. 1910. Bletia graminifolia D. Dom, Prodr. Fl. Nep. 29.
1829. Arundina chinensis Bl., Bijdr. 8 : 502. 1825 ; Hook. f, F.B.I. 5:
857. 1890. A. bambusifolia Lindl., Gen. & sp. Orchid. 125. 1830 ;
Hook. f, l.c.
Terrestrial herbs. Stems reed-like, up to 2 m tall. Leaves narrowly
oblong-lanceolate. Flowers pinkishpurple.
Gangtok, Jorethang-Namchi, Teesta valley. Rangeet valley ; ca
1750 m.
Fl. & Fr. : April sept.
ASCOCENTRUM Schltr.
Ascocentrum ampuliaceum (Roxb.) Schltr. in Fedde Repert. 1
975. 1913. Aerides ampullaceum Roxb., Fl. Ind. 3 : 476. 1832.
Saccolabium ampullaceum (Roxb.) Lindl., Sert. Orchid. t. 17. 1838 ;
Hook. f, F.B.I. 6 : 64. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs without pseudobulbs. Leaves narrowly oblong,
keeled, coriaceous, mottled with brown. Flowers pink, except deep
purple pollinia.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 300 1000 m.
Fl. : March April.
BIERMANNIA King & Panti.
Biermannia bimaculata (King & Pantl.) King & Pantl. in Ann.
Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc. 8 : 200. t. 267. 1898. Sarcochilus bimaculatus
King & Panti. in J. Asiat. soc. Beng. 44 : 340. 1875.
30 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Epiphytes. Leaves linear - oblong. Flowers white, with 2 brown

blotches on the calli or lip. Teesta valley ; ca 450 m.
Fl. : July.
BRACHYCORYTHIS Lindl.
Brachycorythis obcordata (Buch. - Ham. ex D. Don) Summerh.
in Kew Bull. 243. 1955. Orchis obcordata Buch. - Ham. ex D. Don,
Prodr. Fl. Nep. 23 : 1825, non Willem. 1796. Habendria galeandra
auct. non Benth : Hook. f, F.B.I. 6 : 163. 1890.
Terrestrial herbs, with globose or oblong tubers. Leaves oblong.
Flowers pale purple.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 1000 2000 m.

BULBOPHYLLUM Du. Petit Thouars.

Bulbophyllum amne Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 48.1830 ;
Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 756. 1890 ; King & Panti., Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard.
Calc. 8 : 67. t. 91. 1898.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs cylindric, ca 7.5 mm apart. Leaves
narrowly oblong, obtuse at apex. Flowers pale green with purple
nerves. Teesta valley, urnu, Tadong Rumtek ; 600 1000 m.
Fl. : June Sept.
B. andersonii (Hook. f.) J.J. Smith in Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenz. 2,
8 : 22. 1912. Cirrhopetalum andersonii Hook.f., F.B.I. 5 : 777. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs elliptic-ovoid, fibrous at base. Leaf oblong,
subacute. Flowers pink with minute dark spots.

Teesta valley ; ca 450 m.

Fl. : Oct.
B. bisetum Lindl. in Ann. Nat. Hist. 10 : 186. 1842 ; Hook.f., F.B.I.
5 : 767. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid conic, with a fibrous sheath at base.
Leaves narrowly oblong lanceolate, acuminate and obliquely bifid at
apex. Flowers purplish. Sikkim, s.l. ; 1500 1800 m.
Fl. sept.
Notes : rnowers are remarkable for the spurs wniCn run parallel to
the dorsal sepal and the petals.
B. bootanense (Griff.) Par. & Reichb.f. in Trans. Linn. Soc.
30 : 153. t. 32. f. 2. 1874. Cirrhopetalum bootanense Griff., Notul.
3 : 297. 1851. & lc. Pl. Asiat. t. 299. 1851 ; Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 775.
1890.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 31

Epiphytes, Pseudobulbs narrowly ovoid. Leaves fleshy, narrowly

elliptic, obtuse or su acute. Flowers re Wit ar re spots.
Sikkim. s.l. ; tropical valleys.
Fl. : April.
B. careyanum (Hook.) Spr., Syst. Veg. 3 : 732. 1826 ; Hookf.,
F.B.I. 5 : 760. 1890. Anisopetalon careyanum Hook., Fl. Exot, 2 : t.
149. 1825.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid-subsessile. Flowers brownish.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 450 1200 m.
Fl. Oct. Dec.
B. caudatum Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 56. 1830 ; Hook. f.,
F.B.I. 5 : 759. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid, compressed, furrowed. Leaves
ovate-lanceolate, acute, coriacous. Flowers white.
Gangtok ; ca 1800 m.
Fl. : April July.
B. cauliforum Hook. f. in Hook.- Ic. Pl. t. 2036. 1 ROO &
F R I 5 : 758. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs cylindric-elliptic. Leaves oblong,
obtuse. Flowers green, flushed with brown.

Sikkim, s.l. , 1500 1800 m.

Fl. : July.
B. clarkeanum King & Pantl. in J. Asiat. Soc. Beng. 64 : 333.
1895.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs cylindric or ovoid. Leaves narrowly

Sikkim, s.l. ; 450 m.

Fl. : June.
B. cornu-cervi King & Pantl. in J. Asiat. Soc. Beng. 64 : 332.

Epiphytes without rhizomes. Pseudobulbs minute, 2 3 mm,

crowded, globular. Leaves ovate - elliptic, sessile or subsessile.
Flowers green with reddish brown margins ; lip yellow inside, reddish
brown outside.
Sikkim, s.l. ; ca 759 m.
32 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Fl. : July.
B. cylindraceum Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 53 : 1830 ; King &
Pantl., l.c. 70 : t. 96. 1898.
Epiphytes without pseudobulbs. Leaves oblong-elliptic, acute.
Flowers blackish purple.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 1600 2400 m.
Fl. : Oct. Jan.
B. ebulbum King & Pantl. in J. Asiat. Soc. Beng. 64 : 334. 1895.
Epiphytes without pseudobulbs. Leaves solitary,
oblonglanceolate. Flowers pale green.
DIKK1m, s.l.

B. eublepharum Reichb.f. in Walp. Ann. 6 : 252. 1861 ; Hook. f,

F.B.I. 5 : 746. 1890.
Epiphytes. Rhizomes lacking. Pseudobulbs cylindric, closely
placed. Leaf oblong. Flowers green. Sikkim, s.l. ; 1800 2100 m.
Fl. : Aug.
B. elatum (Hook. J.J. Sm. in Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenz. 3, 3
23. 1912. Cirrhopetalum datum Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 : 775. 1890.
Epiphytic caespitose herbs. Pseudobulbs cylindric. Leaves
narrowly oblong, obtuse. Flowers dull yellow spotted.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 1500 -1800 m.
Fl. : May.
B. gamblei (Hook. f.) Hook. f in Hook. lc. Pl. 3. t. 2039. 1890 &
F.B.I. 6 : 188. 1890. B. leptanthum Hook. f. var. gamblii Hook. f., l.c. 5 :
759.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs narrowly obpyriform or subcylindric.
Leaves oblong-lanceolate, apically notched.
Sikkim, s.l. ,• 1500 -2100 m.
Fl. : July Aug.
B. griffithii (Lindl.) Reichb.f. in Walp. Ann. 6 : 247. 1881 ; Hook.
f., F.B.I. 756. 1890. Sacropodius griffithii Lindl., Fol. Orchid 6. 1855.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs caespitose, narrowly ovoid. Leaves
sessile, narrowly oblong. Inflorescence I - flowered. Flowers yellowish
with red brown spots. Lachung ; ca 2700 m.
Fl. : Aug.
B. guttulatum Wall. ex Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 776. 1890.
Cirrhopetalum guttulatum Hook. f., l.c. B. umbellatum in Edw., Bot. Reg.
30. t. 44. 1844, non Lindl. 1830.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 33

Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs caespitose, crowded, ovoid. Leaves

elliptic-oblong, subacute. Flowers pale yellow, purple spotted.
Sikkim s.l. ; 600 1500 m.
Fl. : July sept.

5 : 764. 1890.
WD. r svduuud1Ub uvulu, Snvatucu at vase. Leaves
narrowIY oblong, notched at apices. Flowers white.
Sikkim, s.J.
Fl. & Fr. : Nov. Dec.
B. helenae (O. Ktze.) J.J. Sm. in Bull. Bot. Gard. Buitenz. 2, 8 :
24. 1912. Phyllorchis helenae O Ktze., Rev. Gen. Pl. 2 : 676 1891.
Cirrhopetalum cornutum Lindl. in Edw., Bot. Reg. 24 : Misc. 75. 1838
; Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 : 774. 1890.

Fninhvteq Peendnh'11hQ n
nrrnwlv I oaf
narrowly oblong, obliquely notched. Flowers reddish brown.
Sikkim, s.l.
Fl. : May June.
B. hirtum (J. E. Sm.) Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 51 : 1830 ;
Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 672. 1890. stelis hirta J.E. sm. in Res. Cyclop. 34.
1816.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs closely placed, ovoid oblong, terete
with a scarious terminal collar, oblong oblanceolate, flaccid, absent
during flowering time. Flowers yellow, green outside, white inside.
Sikkim f I • 900 1 ROO m
Fl. : Oct. Jan.
B. hymenanthum Hook. f. in Hook., Ic. Pl. 3 : t. 2046. 1890 •
Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 : 767. 1890.
Epiphytic herbs with thread like rhizomes. Pseudobulbs lacking.
Leaves sessile, ovate - elliptic. Flowers yellowish, streaked with purple.
Lachung valley, Yoksum ; 1700 2400 m.
Fl. : May.
34 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

B. leopardianum (Wall.) Lindl., Gen. & sp. Orchid. 48. 1830 ;

Hookf., F.B.I. 7 : 756. 1890. Dendrobium leopardianum Wall., Tent.
Fl. Nepal 39 t. 1826.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs obpyriform, crowded. Leaves
ellipticoblong. Flowers whitish or pale ochraceous, spotted with
crimson.

Sikkim, s.l. , 1700 2200 m.

Fl. Oct. Nov.

B. leptanthum Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 . 759. 1890.

Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs cylindric. Leaves narrowly oblong.
Flowers yellowish green.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 900 111.
Fl. July.
B. listeri King & Pantl. in J. Asiat. Soc. Beng. 64 : 34. 1895.
Epiphytes without rhizomes. Pseudobulbs narrowly ovoid,
compressed. Leaves linear-oblong, tapering at both ends.
Ratong Chu ; 900 2100 m.
Fl. : May sept.
B. odoratissimum (J.E. Sm.) Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 55.
1830 ; Hook.f., F.B.I. 5 : 758. 1890. Stelis odoratissima J.E. Sm. in
Rees, Cyclop. 34 : Stelis no. 12. 1816.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs subcylindric. Leaves oblong-lanceolate,
slightly notched at apex. Flowers white with yellow tinge.
Ratong Chu ; ca 100 m.
Fl. : May.
B. ornatissimum (Reichb.f.) J.J. Sm. in Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenz.
2, 8 : 26. 1912. Cirrhopetalum ornatissimum Reichb.f. in Gard.
Chrom 2 : 424. 1882 ; Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 773. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs narrowly ellipsoid. Leaves
oblongobtuse and slightly notched at apices. Flowers yellowish green
with purple markings.
Sikkim, s.l.
Fl. : Oct. Nov.
B. pantlingii Lucksom in J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 90 (3) :
551. 1993. B. flavidum (flavida) Lucksom Ibid 90 (1) : 71. 1993, non
Lindl. 1840.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 35

Epilithic herbs. Pseudobulbs ovoid, broadly ridged. Leaves 2,

oblong-oblanceolate, flaccid. Inflorescence solitary, from the base Of
pseudobulbs. Flowers orange yellow.
Phyangla R.F., Lachung valley R.F. ; 1000 2135 m.
Fl. & Fr. : July Dec.
B. parvulum Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 778. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid. Leaves narrowly elliptic,
subacute, sessile. Flowers drooping.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 2100 2700 m.
Fl. : Aug.
B. piluliferum King & Pantl. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc. 8
76. t. 104. 1898.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs caespitose, globose or depressed
globose. Leaf fleshy, linear-oblong, obtuse. Flowers pale reddish
brown with streaks of darker shade.
Sikkim, s.l. ; ca 300 m.
Fl. : May.
B. polyrhizum Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 53. 1830 ; Hook. f,
F.B.I. 5 : 767. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs globular or ovoid. Leaves narrowly
oblong, sessile. Flowers yellowish. Teesta valley ; ca 450 m.
Fl. : April.
B. protractrum Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 758. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs cylindric. Leaves oblong, acute. Flowers
pale yellow ; sepals orange in upper half.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 450 600 m.
Fl. : July.
B. reptans (Lindl.) Lindl., Gen. & sp. Orchid. 51. 1830 ; Hook.
f., F.B.I. 5 : 768. 1890. Tribrachia reptans Lindl., Col. Bot. t. 41. a. 1825.
var. reptans
Epiphytes with thin, wiry branching rhizomes. Pseudobulbs
obyriform. Leaves linear-oblong. Flowers yellowish with purple spots.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 400 - 2400 m.
Fl.: Oct. Nov.
var. sub-racemosa Hook.f., F.B.I. 6: 769. 1890.
36 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Sepals buff coloured, flushed with brown and spickled slightly with
red ; petals coloured; lip yellow at tip.
Sikkim, s.l.
Fl.: Oct. Dec.
B. retusiusculum Reichb. f. in Gard. Chron. 1182. 1869.
Cirrhopetalum wallichii Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 59. 1830 ; Hook.f.,
F.B.I. 5: 776. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid. Leaves narrowly oblong,
subacute, obliquely notched. Flowers deep violet, with darker spots.
Sikkim, s.l.•, 1800 2250 m.
Fl.: July Aug.
B. rigidum King & Pantl. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc. 8 : 69. t.
94. 1898.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs lacking. Leaves rising direct from
rhizome, each with a whorl of fibres at base. Flowers brownish yellow
flushed with green, nerves pusplish.
Sikkim, s.l. ;1800 m.
Fl. May June.
B. rolfei (O.Ktze.) seid. in Dansk. Bot. Ark. 33: 149. 1979.
Phyllorchis rolfei O. Ktze., Rev. Gen. Pl. 677. 1891. Cirrhopetalum
parvulum Hook. f, F.B.I. 5: 778. 1890.
Eptphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid. Leaf narrowly elliptic, sub-acute.
Flowers drooping.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 2100- 2700 m.
Fl.: Aug.
B. sarcophyllum ( King & Pantl. ) J.J. Sm. in Bull. Jard. Bot.
Buitenz. 2, 8: 27. 1912. Cirrhopetalum sarcophyllum King & Pantl. in
J. Asiat. Soc. Beng. 64 : 335. 1895.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs discoid. I-zaves pendulous, fleshy,
oblong, subfalcate, acute at apices. Flowers reddish brown, much
mottled ; lip purple with dark purple blotches. Sikkim, s.l. ; 900 1500
m.
Fl. : June sept.
B. scabratum Reichb .f. in Walp. Ann. 6: 259. 1861 ; Seid. in
Dansk. Bot. Akk. 29: 67. t. 24. 1973. Cirrhopetalum caespitosum Wall.
 FLORA OF SIKKIM 37

ex Lindl. in Edw. Bot. Reg. 24: Misc. 35. 1830 ; Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 775
1890. B. confertum Hook.f., F.B.I. l.c. 757.
Epiphytic, caespitose herbs. Pseudobulbs much crowded, ovoid.
Leaves linear-lanceolate, acute. Flowers ochraceous yellow.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 1200 m.
Fl. : April.
B. sccundum Hook. f., F.B.I. 5: 764. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs crowded, turbinate, ca 7 mm in diam.
Leaves narrowly oblong. Flowers pale purple with dark nerves.
Chungthang, Tendong ; 1800 2100 m.
Fl. : June July.
B. sikkimense (King & Pantl.) J.J. Sm. in Bull. Jard. Bot.
Buitenz. 2, 8: 12. 1912. Cirrhopetalum sikkimensis King & Pantl. in
Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calc. 8: 90. t. 125. 1898.
Epiphytes. Pseuobulbs ovoid-globose. Leaves oblanceolate,
obtuse, obliquely notched, fleshy. Dorsal sepal greenish with few
brownish red markings, lateral sepals ochraceous, minutely spotted
with reddish brown. Petals ochraceous with three broad reddish brown
nerves and purplish marginal cilia. Sikkim, s.l.
Fl. : May.
B. striatum ( Griff. ) Reichb.f. in Walp. Ann. 6: 257. 1861. ;
Hook. f, F.B.I. 5: 775. 1890. Dendrobium striatum Griff., Notul. 3:
318. 1851.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs obpyriform. Leaf elliptic, retuse at apex,
coriaceous. Flowers yellowish green with purple strips.
Sikkim, s.l. ; 2100 m.
Fl. : Oct.
B. thomsonii Hook.f., F.B.I. 5 : 764. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs subdiscoid. Leaf narrowly oblong,
acute. Flowers yellowish white.

Sikkim, s.l. , 1200 m.

Fl. sept.
B. triste Reichb.f. in Walp. Ann. 6: 253. 1861; Hook.f., F.B.I,
5: 768. 1890. B. micranthum Hook. j: l.c. ; S. Misra in Bull. Bot. Surv.
India 22: 152. (1980) 1982. B. alopecurum Reichb.f. Gard. Chron. 2:
70. 1880; Hook.f., l.c. 770.
38 BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs turbinate with umbonate apices,

closely placed or 1.2 2.5 cm apart; leafless during flowering. Leaves
2, from each pseudobulb, narrowly oblong, acute at apex. Flowers
purplish, except for a yellow line on the edges of the lip and ovary.
Teesta valley; ca 450 m.
Fl. : March.
B. viridiflorum (Hook.f. ) Schltr. in Orchids 4: 108. 1910.
Cirrhopetalum viridiflorum Hook. f., F.B.I. 5 : 779. 1890.
Epiphytic, caespitose herbs. Pseudobulbs ovoid. Leaf in pairs
on young pseudobulbs, narrowly oblong or oblong lanceolate,
Flowers yellowish green turning to pale brown. Sikkim, s.l ; 1500
2100 m.
Fl. : Oct Nov.
B. umbellatum Lindl., Gen. & Sp. Orchid. 56. 1830.
Cirrhopetalum maculosum Lindl., Edw. Bot. Reg. 27. Misc. 81. 1841
: Hook. f, F.B.I. 5 : 776. 1890.
Epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid, only when dried. Leaf narrowly
oblong, obtuse and notched at apex. Flowers cream coloured.
Tendong ; ca 1500 m.
Fl. : May.
B. wallichii Reichb.f. in Walp. Ann. 6: 259. 1861 ; Seid. in
Dansk. Bot. Ark. 29: 234. t. 127. 1973. Cirrhopetalum refractum sensu
Hook. f, F.B.I. 5: 779. 1890, non (Reichb. f ) Zoll. 1847.
Epiphytic, caespitose herbs. Pseudobulbs concial, wrinkled
during flowering, crowded. Leaves 2, narrowly oblong, acute.
Flowers pale green, turning pale brown. Sikkim, s.l. , 1200 1800 m.
Fl. : Oct. Nov.
B. yoksunense J.E. Sri. in Bull. Bot. Jard. Buitenz. 2, 8 : 29.
1912. Cirrhopetalum brevipes Hook.f., F.B.I. 5 : 777. 1890, non B.
brevipes Ridl. 1903.