Checklist of the genus Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae) in Manipur, India.

An enumeration of the genus Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae) in Manipur, India was attempted. Literature review revealed the occurrence of 67 species under the genus from the state. The study was carried out through repeated field explorations in different natural forests of Manipur since 2012. Out of the total taxa reported from the state, only 42 species could be traced in the field. All these taxa are presented here with their flowering phenology and places of occurrence. Twenty-five species were untraceable in the field; however, nine species out of these 25 are represented by authentic herbarium specimens and supported by published documents. The remaining 16 species were reported only in literature, but no live plants or herbarium specimens were found. Out of the 42 species inventoried from the field, many taxa are under threat owing to habitat loss due to felling of trees, deforestation, and 'jhum' cultivation. So, there is an urgent need of conservation of those species through in situ and ex situ means for their sustenance. A photographic plate of some taxa is provided here which might be useful for their easy identification in the field and for taking care of their conservation. Large-scale uses of these species as cut flowers and indoor & outdoor plants may be practised through micropropagation and cultivation in nurseries which may help in revenue generation for the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]