Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Himachal Pradesh. 3. Systematic account. 4. Cypripedioideae. 5. Orchidoideae. 6. Vanilloideae. 7. Epidendroideae. 8. Orchid resource. 9. Glossary. 10. References. 11. Index.
 
Orchids of Himachal Pradesh describes in details with colour pictures, drawings and paintings 84 species and I variety in 44 genera of orchids native to the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh (30 22 33 12 N latitudes and 75 47 and 79 04 E longitudes). Four subfamilies of the Orchid family are represented here: I. Cypripedioideae with one genus Cypripedium) and two species. 2. Orchidoideae with 17 genera and 40 species. 3. Vanilloideae with one genus (Galeola) and a single species (G. lindleyana (Hook. f. & Thomson) Rehb.f.) and 4. Epidendroideae with 41 spp. and one variety in 25 genera. Easy to use identification keys to the subfamilies, genera and species are provided along with historical details information on type, etymology, ecology, phenology, occurrence within the state and distribution outside with notes wherever necessary. All the drawings prepared are original, unpublished and made after specimens collected from the state for the purpose. This is the first time that the orchid flora of this state is studied in detail and published. (jacket)