Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nevski (Orchidaceae): an addition to flora of India from Kashmir Himalaya

Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. &Kir.) Nevski is reported for the first time from Kashmir Himalaya, India. A brief description, illustration, photographs of diagnostic features, and a distribution map is provided. Also provided are comparative characters to distinguish D. umbrosa from other species already known from Kashmir Himalaya: D. hatagirea, D. kafiriana and D. viridis . The species shows rare distribution in the alpine habitats of this Himalayan region and overexploitation for local use poses threat to the existence of this rare medicinal orchid species. Therefore, the documentation of this species assumes significance for devising conservation strategies and sustainable use in this Himalayan region.