Cheirostylis Blume (Orchidaceae): a new generic addition to the orchid flora of Manipur state, Northeast India

Abstract

The genus Cheirostylis, belonging to the Orchidaceae family, is represented by numerous species distributed worldwide. In India, the genus is represented by 10 species, with two species reported from Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, and the remaining eight species from the Northwestern Himalayas and Northeastern regions. This study reports the occurrence of Cheirostylis griffithii Lindl. in Manipur, Northeast India, which is a new generic record for the state. The taxon was discovered in Pudunamei village and identified based on herbarium specimens and available literature. Detailed morphological descriptions and measurements were made using living plant specimens. The taxonomic treatment includes information on plant characteristics, distribution, and a comprehensive list of Indian Cheirostylis species. The species is a terrestrial orchid with fleshy stems, lanceolate bracts, pubescent flowers, connate sepals forming a tube, and a 3-lobed lip with deeply laciniate lobes. The occurrence of Cheirostylis in Manipur expands its distributional range within India. The study contributes to the documentation of the orchid flora of Manipur, which encompasses a diverse range of orchid taxa.