Wild Orchids in Karnataka : A Pictorial Compendium

Contents: Preface. I. Conservation of Wild Orchids and Their Biodiversity with Particular Reference to the Hotspots of Karnataka: 1. Introduction. 2. Perspective of Wild Orchids. 3. Hotspots. 4. Survey of Orchids in the three hotspots for ex-situ conservation. 5. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary. 6. Ex-situ conservation: Orchidarium at Dandeli (regional). 7. Orchid species collected in the Karnataka part of the Western Ghats, Dandeli wildlife sanctuary and also in the surrounding forests of Uttara Kannada District. 8. Rare and new distributional range of orchid species collected from 3-hotsports of Karnataka state (UNDP project). 9. Endemic orchids under ex-situ conservation in the regional and state Orchidaria. 10. Distribution of epiphytic orchid genera and their geographical alliance. 11. Phytogeography of terrestrial orchids in Karnataka. 12. The list incorporates orchid species of Karnataka deposited in several Herbaria in India (MS-Coimbatore, BSI-Calcutta, Blatt-Bombay, BRCBI & IISc-Bangalore, BSI-Pune and also based oin Publications related to Karnataka. 13. Lip profile in wild orchids. 14. Descriptions of orchids of Karnataka state. II. Orchid Conservation, Photography and Hybrids. Bibliography. Index to orchids Part I. Index to orchids Part II. List of sketches.

"This pictorial compendium has two parts. In the first part we have described the Wild Orchids in Karnataka with sketches, photographs, maps and distribution tables. This compendium is intended to enthuse and educate the beginners, to facilitate the researchers to expand their knowledge of phytogeography and distribution patterns of the orchids, and to assist the orchidiologists preparing the blueprint for management and conservation of the wild orchids and their habitats. We have systematically described some 60 genera, 155 species with 73 sketches and 60 colour plates with cross references in the text for easier identification of a given Orchid.

The second part has an introductory note on orchid conservation, photography and hybrids. Some 48 species varieties, indicating their geographical affiliations and nativities are illustrated with 18 colour plates in this part. The Bangalore hobbyists have procured these ornate orchids from far and wide. Incidentally, the tissue culture leading to production of hybrids is a multimillion dollar business across America, Europe and South-East Asia. We have exemplified the floricultural aspects and commercial outlook of the fascinating orchids, their hybridization and their lasting values. But, it is lamentable that artificial flowers made from synthetic materials have been making inroads in to our culture and tradition. We believe that our pictorial compendium is a small step in reversing this trend, and to wean the masses back to appreciating and conserving the nature's bounties."