Sunday, Jul 26, 2026 20:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jul 26, 2026 14:59 [IST]
The trees of Sikkim in the time of pouring monsoon bear an orchid bloom with shades of pink flowers, borne on an extended stem from the original tree witnessed by tilting your heads up. The unnoticed orchids, hidden in the tree summit, thrives as epiphytes and derives only support from the host trees whereas photosynthesis by their own.
These orchids bearing the pretty bunch of flowers with pouch shaped lip in the shades of pink and yellow colour belongs to Dendrobium moschatum (Banks). Sw, also known as the musky-smelling Dendrobium which are gorgeous in form and expression and are distributed along the Himalayan range. These orchids are noted with long, cane-like pseudobulbs that reach over one meter in length. The mature canes produce pendulous inflorescences bearing several large, waxy flowers. The brilliant golden-yellow petals contrast beautifully with the deep orange to reddish-brown markings on the lip, creating a spectacular floral display. The flowers remain fresh for several weeks and release a pleasant musky fragrance, particularly during the morning hours.
The moschatum orchid is known for their value of mixed aesthetic (ornamental orchid), medicinal (local herbal practices) and symbolic/spiritual uses in various traditions. With its appealing, scented blossoms and eye-catching musky orchid features, D. moschatum has preferred in the gardens of orchid lovers as well as in the decorations. The spiritual system of Sri Aurobindo referred the Dendrobium moschatum with spiritual signification as 'Mental attachment to the Divine', which illustrates the way an originally wild Himalayan orchid has been transformed into a spiritual symbol of flowers used in meditation.
These CITES Appendix II indexed orchids are critically endangered species that are so protected under the law of the types. Dendrobium moschatum, as an epiphyte orchid contributes to forest biodiversity without harming its host trees where their flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, thereby supporting natural pollination processes. Orchids are highly sensitive to environmental changes. The presence of this orchid populations often indicates well-preserved forest ecosystems with suitable humidity, shade, and air quality. Consequently, the presence or absence of species such as D. moschatum can serve as an indicator of forest health and ecosystem stability.
