Abstract

Introduction: Orchidaceae is one of the largest groups of angiospermic plants with worldwide distribution, except in hot deserts and cool polar regions, and it is found in three different habitats: i. Saprophytic, ii. Terrestrial and iii. Epiphytic.

Method: A selective and periodical field survey was conducted covering the entire area of West Bengal. Because orchids bloom throughout almost the entire region, specimen collection was performed and photographs were taken in habitats as well as drawing and dissection, mounting and herbarium preparation and identification.

Result: Our findings related to their diversity, endemic nature, new records, new species, new varieties, etc.

Conclusion: Entire orchidaceae families face extreme threats in nature. Therefore, in situ conservation is emphasized.

During a field survey for the orchid flora of West Bengal, the author collected blooming orchid species from Darjeeling Himalaya and the collected species was identified as Cleisostoma linearilobulatum (Seidenfaden & Smitinand) Garay with the help of the available literature of King & Pantling 1898, Tang & Wang 1951, Yonzone et al. 2012, Pearce & Cribb 2002, with no earlier records from West Bengal. Therefore, we identified a new record for the occurence of Cleisostoma linearilobulatum (Seidenfaden & Smitinand) Garay for the state of West Bengal, India. Details, including a taxonomic description, its exact existence, flowering month, and habitat photographs, have been provided for its easy identification in fields.