Famous for its unrivalled scenic
splendours, and the vast variety of its flora and fauna, indeed, Sikkim has
4,000 varieties of plants and shrubs. This expanse of exotic vegetations is
divided into three zones:
| (i). |
Sub-tropical upto 1,524m produce Bamboos, Ferns, Tree Ferns,
Pandanus, the Sal trees and orchids. |
| (ii). |
Forests of Cherry, Laurels, Oak, Chestnut, Pine and Magnolia cover
the temperate zone and northern valleys. Rhododendrons are in abundance
from 2,438m. |
| (iii). |
Snow line starting range from 4,876m is the altitude where Juniper
and Rhododendrons struggle for existence. The gentler slopes are covered
with the beautiful Primulaes and Genitans. |
Sikkim, the vast herbarium, as it has been called, has 660 species of
recorded orchids out of 5,000 existing in the world; 500-600 species of
butterflies and 500-600 types of birds. The orchid sanctuary in Gangtok is
the place where rare Himalayan orchids are preserved and are on view.
Sikkim's produce includes Rice, Millet, Cardamoms, Oranges and Potatoes, the
last three being export items.
