Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms → Monocots → Asparagales
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Subfamily: Epidendroideae
- Tribe: Arethuseae
- Subtribe: Coelogyninae
- Genus: Coelogyne
- Species: Coelogyne nitida Rchb.f.
Description
Coelogyne nitida is a medium‑sized epiphytic orchid. It forms pseudobulbs that are ovate to subglobose, each typically bearing one or two linear to narrowly lanceolate leaves. The inflorescence emerges from the base of the pseudobulb and bears a few to several fragrant flowers. Flowers are generally 3–5 cm across, with a pale yellow to creamy‑white perianth and a darker, often reddish, column and labellum. The lip is often trilobed, and the callus may possess a distinctive ridged or papillate surface. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, depending on climatic conditions.
Distribution and Habitat
Coelogyne nitida is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. Documented occurrences include:
- Eastern Himalaya (Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh)
- Northeastern India (Assam, Meghalaya)
- Northern Myanmar
- Parts of southwestern China (Yunnan)
The species typically grows on moss‑covered tree trunks and branches in montane forest, often at elevations between 1,200 m and 2,400 m. It prefers cool, humid environments with filtered light and good air circulation.
Cultivation
In horticulture, C. nitida is valued for its fragrant blooms. Cultivation guidelines include:
- Substrate: A well‑draining mix such as fine orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or a 1:1:1 blend of bark, perlite, and charcoal.
- Temperature: Cool to intermediate conditions; daytime temperatures of 18–24 °C and nighttime temperatures of 12–16 °C.
- Light: Bright, indirect light mimicking forest canopy conditions (approximately 2,000–3,000 lux).
- Watering: Regular watering to keep the medium moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
- Humidity: 60–80 % relative humidity is optimal.
- Fertilization: Balanced orchid fertilizer applied at ¼‑½ strength weekly during active growth, monthly in rest periods.
Conservation Status
There is no specific evaluation of Coelogyne nitida on the IUCN Red List as of the latest assessments. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal collection for the ornamental trade can pose localized threats. Conservation measures include habitat protection within protected areas and regulation of trade under CITES Appendix II, which covers all Orchidaceae species.
References
- Pridgeon, A. M., Cribb, P. J., Chase, M. W., & Rasmussen, F. N. (Eds.). (2014). Genera Orchidacearum Volume 6: Epidendroideae (Part 3). Oxford University Press.
- Williams, P. (1998). The Orchid Species of the Himalaya. Kew Publishing.
- Royal Horticultural Society. (2023). List of Orchid Hybrids and Species.
All information presented is based on currently available encyclopedic and botanical sources.
