Sikkim - 4: Flora and Fauna-1

                   Flora and Fauna: Sikkim                                  

                                     Flaura and Fauna-1                                                                                        -Atharv Upadhyay-

In this post of this blog, we are going to discuss about the 'FLORA' of the ft. state Sikkim.

If we ever go on google and search the meaning of 'Flora' it would show:

So, we will discuss the main Plants found in the State Sikkim.

1) Nobile Orchid - The 'State' Plant

The Nobile Orchid has been declared as the State Flower of Sikkim. It is a very beautiful flower and also very colorful. Found in shades of white, pink & purple color.

2) Sarcococca hookeriana

Sarcococca hookeriana, the Himalayan sweet box, is a species of flowering plant in the box family Buxaceae, native to China, Afghanistan, North East India, Bhutan and Nepal. It is a low-growing evergreen shrub, usually growing to 12–24 in (30–61 cm) high. It produces aromatic white flowers throughout winter, followed by black berries.

3) Cymbidium

Plants in the genus Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial plants, or rarely leafless saprophytes. All are sympodial evergreen herbs. Some species have thin stems but in most species the stems are modified as pseudobulbs. 

When present, there are from three to twelve leaves arrange in two ranks and last for several years. The leaf bases remain after the leaf has withered, forming a sheath around the pseudobulb. The flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem which arises from the base of the pseudobulb or rarely from a leaf axil. 

The sepals and petals are usually thin and fleshy, free from, and more or less similar to each other. The labellum (as in other orchids, a highly modified third petal) is significantly different from the other petals and sepals. It is sometimes hinged to the column, or otherwise fused to it. The labellum has three lobes, the side lobes erect, sometimes surrounding the column and the middle lobe often curving downwards. After pollination a glabrous capsule containing many light-colored seeds is produced.

In upcoming posts we will discuss the fauna of this region and end the blog with some DID YOU KNOW FACTS!!

Thank you,

Atharv Upadhyay