|
“PIONEER PLANTS:
LICHEN DIVERSITY OF SIKKIM”
Lichens, (pronounced “Lai-kens”) locally known as “Rukh Ko Jhau, Dhunga
Ko Jhau” found all around us, usually on trees and rocks are the first
colonizers in any area. They are an interesting composite of an Alga
and a Fungus living symbiotically together, contributing significantly
to Nitrogen fixation in our forests. Lichens can be squamulose,
foliose, subfruticose and fruticose.They have economic value as food,
fodder, dyes, perfumes and medicine, but more importantly as
Bio-Monitors of air pollution, as indicators of health of forests, and
in dating of rocks. The present theme is from a study on Macrolichens
of Sikkim by Lichenologist Dr. Gopal P. Sinha Scientist with Botanical
Survey of India, over nine years documenting 320 species from Sikkim
(over 2300 species in India) into a book in 2005.
Cetrelia braunsiana.
Photo by Dr. G. P. Sinha, Scientist D, BSI
–Issued by Sikkim State Biodiversity Board, FEWMD
__________________________________________ |
“ROSE-TREE DIVERSITY OF SIKKIM: RESPLENDENT RHODOS”
‘Rhodo’ ‘dendron’, Greek for ‘Rose’ ‘Tree’, perhaps the
most flamboyant of Sikkim’s flowers, blooms in festive bunches right
during peak tourist season, tempting even locals to go off on picnics.
The 36 species in Sikkim from the State Tree to the tiny shrubby
‘Sunpati’ at higher altitude have many subspecies, varieties and
forms. See evolution at work with species naturally hybridizing; and
adding to their aesthetic value are other uses in medicine and even
beverages. And who would believe our Rhodos are invasive in some parts
of the world where they were once introduced as garden plants!?
Besides now with changing climate it’s any day now when Songru Pandi
(Utis) finally catches up with Kemo Reep (Lali Gurans) for
good! Rhododendrons in this series are dedicated to the Sikkim
International Rhodofest 2010 and found in and around all Wildlife
Protected Areas (WLPAs) of Sikkim, especially Shingba & Barsey
Rhododendron Sanctuaries (check out
www.sikkimrhododendrons2010.com).‘LALI
GURANS’ Scarlet Arborescent Rhododendron Rh. arboreum:
Tree, distributed widely across Himalayas. Status: Vulnerable–Issued
by Sikkim State Biodiversity Board, FEWMD
_________________________________________
|
|
“ROSE-TREE DIVERSITY OF SIKKIM: RESPLENDENT RHODOS”
SPECIES
SETO CHIMAL Lord Auckland’s Rhododendron Rh. grifitthianum:
Small tree, oak forest or in bamboo thickets in association with
R. grande, Magnolia globosa; E. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, S.E.
Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. –Issued by Sikkim State Biodiversity
Board, FEWMD
_______________________________________
|
“ROSE-TREE DIVERSITY OF SIKKIM: RESPLENDENT RHODOS”
SPECIES
KORLINGA Dr. Falconer’s Rhododendron Rh. falconeri:
Tree,distributed from Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Bhutan and Arunachal
Pradesh; Status: Threatened –Issued by Sikkim State Biodiversity
Board, FEWMD
________________________________________
|
|
“ROSE-TREE DIVERSITY OF SIKKIM: RESPLENDENT RHODOS”
SPECIES
GULABI KORLINGA Hodgson’s Rhododendron Rh. hodgsonii:
Branched Tree, distributed from Nepal through Sikkim, Darjeeling and
Bhutan –Issued by Sikkim State Biodiversity Board, FEWMD
_____________________________________
|
“MOTH-MANIA: THE SILK-MOTH DIVERSITY OF SIKKIM”
Moths and Butterflies form an important group called Lepidoptera. While
butterflies fly by day, moths are usually night-flying and greatly
attracted to lights. Both together are valuable as many plants depend
on them for pollination and many birds need them for food. And many
humans need their silk! Sikkim is lucky to have the world’s largest
moths such as the Atlas and Moon Moths and many other species of wild
silk moths. Like the domestic silk moth Bombyx mori, these beautiful
giants like Muga, Eri and Tasar Silk-Moths are bred off trees, their
cocoons harvested for the most precious silks.
SPECIES
Actias silene
Moon Moth (Saturniidae) found on fringes of Fambong Lho Wildlife
Sanctuary. Photo by Taktse International School students–Issued
by Sikkim State Biodiversity Board, FEWMD
______________________________________
more to be
added....... |
