Bletilla striata
Species of orchid From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Species of orchid From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bletilla striata, known as hyacinth orchid[2] or Chinese ground orchid,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family Orchidaceae, native to Japan, Korea, Myanmar (Burma), and China (Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Zhejiang).[1][4] It is most commonly found growing in clumps alongside grassy slopes with sandy soil.[5]
| Bletilla striata | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Tribe: | Arethuseae |
| Genus: | Bletilla |
| Species: | B. striata |
| Binomial name | |
| Bletilla striata | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Synonyms list
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The Latin specific epithet striata means "striped", in reference to the ribbed leaves.[6]
Bletilla striata is a terrestrial orchid with pleated, spear-shaped leaves. It breaks dormancy in early spring, with each tuber of the previous year potentially sending out multiple shoots. These growths mature over the course of a couple months and eventually bear 3-7 magenta-pink flowers.[7]
In cultivation in the UK it is hardy in sheltered locations down to −10 °C (14 °F). It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]
In the U.S. it may be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5–9, although a winter mulching for plants grown in zone 5 is recommended.[7]
Like most terrestrial orchids, it drops its leaves as it enters winter dormancy; however, it tolerates moisture during this period much better than most others. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to grow Bletilla striata in a well-draining, humus-rich mix.[8]
Bletilla striata is used in Asian traditional medicine for problems with the lining of the alimentary canal, such as ulcers.[9][non-primary source needed]
It is also used as a natural glue for making silk strings for traditional Chinese instruments such as the guqin.[10]
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