Gastrodia indica, a unique orchid species, was discovered in which sanctuary of Sikkim?
Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary
2024 August
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A unique orchid species, Gastrodia indica, was recently discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim. It is the first orchid from India that never opens its flower and the first cleistogamous species of the Gastrodia genus found in India. Gastrodia indica is holomycotrophic, relying entirely on fungi for sustenance as it lacks chlorophyll. Found at 1,950–2,100 meters, it thrives in dense, rotten leaf litter near specific trees like Magnolia and Acer. The discovery brings the total number of Gastrodia species in India to 10, but the species faces threats due to its limited population and specific habitat needs.