Species of the Month – November 2015
Satyrium nepalense D.Don
syn Satyrium albiflorum A.Rich., Satyrium wightianum Lindl.
Though there are more than 80 species belonging to the genus Satyrium are there in the world, only one species – Satyrium nepalense has been recorded from South India.
Satyrium nepalense D.Don is a terrestrial species commonly found grassy hill slopes. This species is found flowering during the months of September and October, usually towards the end of the rainy season.
Flower: Flowers are many on the slender inflorescence. Flowers are mostly deep pink or rose-pink in colour and occasionally seen with a lighter shade of the pink or cream as well. Flowers appears to have two spurs and lip is quite prominent. It is also noted that there are occurrences of white flowers as well.
Plant: The underground tubers start producing new plants as the rainy season starts to recede. Leaves are few and some times can be confused with leaves of Curcuma if not observed with care. While the plant produces new leaves it can be seen that the new inflorescence starts emerging as well. Plant is devoid of any leaves in summer and winter season. The leaves are much shorter than the inflorescence.
Habitat: This species is usually found in open grassy slopes at higher elevation enjoying higher amount precipitation. Looking the habitat they are in, it can be seen that do they like good amount of sunshine and seem to thrive in well areas where there is good air circulation.
References:
1. Introduction to orchids – Abraham and Vatsala
2. Conservation of Wild Orchids of Kodagu in Western Ghats ~ Dr T Ananda Rao