Diversity, ethnobotany, and conservation status of orchids in the Himalayan Botanical Garden, Nainital, India

Orchids (family Orchidaceae) represent one of the most species-rich and ecologically significant groups of flowering plants. India is home to approximately 1,300 orchid species, with the Himalayan region recognized as a hotspot of endemism and diversity. The Himalayan Botanical Garden (HBG) in Nainital, Uttarakhand, serves as a critical ex-situ conservation site for many native and medicinally important orchids of the Western Himalayas. This study documents 24 orchid species belonging to 15 genera conserved in HBG. Through detailed field surveys and ethnobotanical assessments conducted between 2022 and 2025, we recorded their morphological traits, ecological preferences, and traditional uses. Of these, 15 species were found to have ethnomedicinal significance, including applications for respiratory disorders, wound healing, fever, and rejuvenation. The findings highlight the value of integrating traditional knowledge with biodiversity conservation and underscore the need to prioritize orchid protection in both botanical gardens and native habitats. Many species are threatened by habitat loss, unsustainable harvesting, and climate variability. Our study reinforces the role of botanical gardens as biodiversity repositories and education centres and suggests strategies for orchid conservation involving community engagement and ecological restoration. These results contribute valuable data to the broader conservation discourse and provide a foundation for future pharmacological and ecological research on Himalayan orchids.