Distribution and habitats of Paphiopedilum Pfitzer (Orchidaceae) known to occur in Bhutan

Abstract

Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, P. spicerianum, and P. venustum (Orchidaceae: Cypripedioideae) are reported to occur in Bhutan, of which the former is known to be Critically Endangered and the latter two are Endangered. Based on numerous field trips conducted over the last decade, populations of P. fairrieanum and P. venustum were located in Bhutan. No individual of P. spicerianum, however, was found despite many search attempts. Its occurrence in Bhutan may have been originally erroneous. Based on the accessibility of the habitats, six 10m × 10m quadrats were defined to enumerate the plant species found in the Paphiopedilum habitats. Vegetation analyses and cluster dendrograms of the plant species composition indicated the presence of three forest types with distinct species compositions. Paphiopedilum fairrieanum was found growing mainly as a lithophyte on seasonally dry limestone cliffs or on limestone outcrops with a comparatively open forest canopy. These populations were mostly located on southwest- or northwest-facing slopes with soil pH ranging from 7.1 to 7.8. Paphiopedilum venustum, in contrast, was a ground-dwelling species restricted to relatively dense forests with soil pH ranging from 7.1 to 7.5.

Study of Diseases Caused by Phylloplane Mycoflora of Selected Orchids in Bhutan

“…Orchid conservation are mainly against habitat loss, climate change and socio-economic exploitation of local populations (Fay, 2018;Gurung et al, 2019). Developmental activities are a threat to orchid conservation and working in conjunction with developmental activities such as road construction and hydro-electric power plant projects can rescue and restore such plant species by National Biodiversity Centre.…”

Abundance, Distribution and Association of Paphiopedilum fairrieanum (Lindl.) Stein with Site Factors in Brongshing, Samdrup Jongkhar District

“…Stein is one such species terrestrial in nature found in Bhutan, which is listed as CR by the IUCN. Globally, the orchid is found in Bhutan, India and Nepal [6]. It was found that the population of Paphiopedilum fairrieanum (Lindl.)…”

“…The orchid is also known as the lost orchid due to its rarity [9]. According to [6], there are more than 6700 individuals distributed in 10 districts in Bhutan. Paphiopedilum fairrieanum particularly grows on arid, grassy limestone hills at high altitudes [5].…”

“…The species was also found growing in limestone, gneiss and dolomitic gravels and rocks under oak forests with a very good drainage system [10]. In Bhutan, the species is found growing in limestone hills and ridges of subtropical forests [6]. According to [11], these orchid species were found on limestone substrates with soil pH values ranging from 7.3 to 8.0 and moisture content ranging from 1.4 to 2.5%.…”

“…In Bhutan, the species has been assessed in Ngala under Zhemgang district, Kheng-Gongdu under Mongar district, Martshalla Sarjung under Samdrup Jongkhar district [6] and Gomdar and Wangphu geog under Samdrup Jongkhar [16]. However, there were no studies regarding the association of Paphiopedilum fairrieanum with site factors globally.…”