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An endangered orchid valued for its medicinal properties has been discovered in the terai region of Uttarakhand after a gap of 11 years by a senior officer of the State Forest Department.
A cluster of eulophia dabia (eulophia campestris) has been discovered by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wild Life Warden Srikant Chandola. However, Chandola said that the exact location where these orchids were found growing is being kept under wraps by the department because if known, the plants will be harvested within a couple of days by those interested in earning quick money by selling parts of the plant which are used for their medicinal use as a general tonic and for treating sexual disorders.
Speaking to The Pioneer, the Uttarakhand CWLW said that a cluster of the eulophia dabia plants, locally known as saalam mishri, have been discovered growing in the Tarai region of the State after a gap of more than a decade.
The plant which is an orchid also used for its medicinal properties has been discovered growing in forests which can be categorised as typical Shivalik-type forest.
Considering the importance of the plant, the department studied the various aspects of these plants and the site where they were found to be growing. The eulophia dabia plants were found growing on the banks of a dry riverbed along with a grass which was being used by the orchid for protection.
Some of the plants were uprooted to facilitate a study of the root system after which they were replanted at the site.
According to Chandola, the saalam mishri plant is a very rare plant which is not cultivated but grows in the wild from where it is harvested for its use in traditional medicinal preparations.
A cluster of eulophia dabia (eulophia campestris) has been discovered by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wild Life Warden Srikant Chandola. However, Chandola said that the exact location where these orchids were found growing is being kept under wraps by the department because if known, the plants will be harvested within a couple of days by those interested in earning quick money by selling parts of the plant which are used for their medicinal use as a general tonic and for treating sexual disorders.
Speaking to The Pioneer, the Uttarakhand CWLW said that a cluster of the eulophia dabia plants, locally known as saalam mishri, have been discovered growing in the Tarai region of the State after a gap of more than a decade.
The plant which is an orchid also used for its medicinal properties has been discovered growing in forests which can be categorised as typical Shivalik-type forest.
Considering the importance of the plant, the department studied the various aspects of these plants and the site where they were found to be growing. The eulophia dabia plants were found growing on the banks of a dry riverbed along with a grass which was being used by the orchid for protection.
Some of the plants were uprooted to facilitate a study of the root system after which they were replanted at the site.
According to Chandola, the saalam mishri plant is a very rare plant which is not cultivated but grows in the wild from where it is harvested for its use in traditional medicinal preparations.
