Cytological Observations on Some West Himalayan Orchids Tribe: Epidendreae III

Subtribes: Crytopodiinae, Cymbidiinae, Sarcanthinae

Abstract

Cytological investigations were carried out in 16 species included in 12 genera of Epidendreae. One species of the genus Oreorchis (O. indica: 2n=42) is investigated for the first time. New chromosomal reaces were discovered in Aerides odoratum (n=18), Doritis taenialis (n=19, 2n=57) and Vanda cristata (2n=38, 2n=76). It is concluded that the comprehensive tribe Epidendreae (sense Dressler and Dodson) should really be split into 3 distinct tribes Epidendreae, Malaxideae and Vandeae as originally proposed by Lindley. In each of these alliances there is gradual reduction in size of chromosomes from the more primitive to the advanced ones with the adoption of epiphytic mode of life from the original terrestrial base.