Emeralda clarkei

Emeralda clarkei Rchb.f., popularly known as Clark’s Esmeralda, is an important and striking species of the vandaceous group of orchids. Celebrated for its attractive and long-lasting blooms, this orchid holds great value among horticulturists, collectors, and hybridization experts.

Native to the Eastern Himalayan region, Emeralda clarkei thrives in cool, moist, montane forests where it grows as an epiphyte on tall trees or sometimes on moss-covered rocks. Its flowers are admired for their vibrant colouring, elegant form, and remarkable durability, making them highly desirable for ornamental use.

This species has made a significant mark in orchid breeding due to its compatibility in hybridization and ability to pass on desirable floral traits. Its long-lasting vandaceous flowers are prized in floral trade and cultivation, contributing to the growing global orchid floriculture industry.

Over the years, Emeralda clarkei has been subjected to collection pressures because of its ornamental appeal. As with many orchids, it inhabits a fragile ecosystem and depends on a delicate balance of environmental conditions, including specific pollinators and mycorrhizal associations, for successful growth and reproduction.

Recognizing its botanical and horticultural value, the Department of Posts has featured Emeralda clarkei in its special postage stamp series on Orchids of India. This inclusion not only celebrates its natural beauty but also highlights the importance of conserving such rare and ecologically sensitive species.