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"However, cross pollination with the red mahogany type and Phalaenopsis volacea, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana and Phalaenopsis mariae has produced some amazing species, which are also most fragrant."
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Orchids In Traditional Medicine And Food |
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Phalaenopsis Orchids
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Orchids In Traditional Medicine And Food |
"Regardless of your choice to join or not to join a local, state or national orchid growing organization, enter your orchid growing experience with the knowledge that your time, patience, and proper care can overcome even the blackest thumb!"
Orchids in Traditional Medicine and Food
Today we know orchids as showy and decorative plants in homes and gardens. Many of those having a palate for vanilla, perhaps, know that natural vanilla comes from the seedpods of one species of orchids, the Vanilla planifolia. In recent years, though, the use of artificial vanilla flavor has reduced the desire for natural vanilla.
Less known to most of us are the other interesting uses of orchids in traditional food and medicine. A brief look at some of the world cultures reveals orchid plants as significant from both nutritional and medicinal viewpoints.
Orchids as Medicine
Historical records show that the ancient Chinese used orchids as medicine. Even today, paintings of orchid plants can be seen on old vases of Chinese origin. John Parkinson wrote in 1640 about the possibility of having many children for a man who eats a large orchid tuber. In fact, the name orchid comes from the Latin, meaning testicle (ancient Greek and Romans believed orchid roots to be a cure for many sexual problems).
Today, primitive people around the world use various orchids for a variety of folk medicines and cures. In the West Indies, a liquid is obtained by boiling bulbs of the orchid Bletia purpurea. This liquid is used for curing poisoning from fish. In Malaya, women take a drink from boiled leaves of the orchid Nervilia aragoana to prevent sickness after childbirth.
In Malacca, scalds of boiling liquid are treated with a poultice prepared from the plant body of Oberonia anceps. In Chile, the orchid Spiranthes diuretics is known to be a strong diuretic. In Ecuador, the mucilage from Catasetum is thought to be good for fractured bones.
Orchids as Food
In various parts of the world, certain orchids are used for food or food supplements. In Malaya, for instance, the leaves of one species of orchid, Anoectochilus, are sold as a vegetable. Similarly, leaves of the famous orchid Dendrobium salaccense are cooked as seasoning with rice.
In certain parts of Asian Tropics, the tubers of some species of Gastrodia are eaten the way we eat potatoes, hence the name Potato Orchid for Gastrodia. Salep is (or Saloop) is a kind of nutritional drink, made in India in the 19th century from orchid tubers. Salep is derived from the tubers of several species of Orchis. The tubers are boiled, dried, and then powdered. The resulting preparation is often used as flour substitute.
Nurturing An Orchid Plant
In the early 20th century, European glassmakers and American potters were working in the new styles of art nouveau, arts and crafts, and art deco.
"A nice painting of a yellow orchid can really set off a room decorated with other hues of yellow."
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Phalaenopsis Orchids Information |
| China's Gold-Mine Wild Orchids Face Extinction (Environmental News Network)
Over-harvesting fuelled by surging market prices is threatening to wipe out several species of wild orchids in eastern China, some of which command as much as 5,000 a pot, state media reported on Friday.
China's gold-mine wild orchids face extinction (AlertNet)
Source: Reuters BEIJING, April 27 (Reuters) - Where have all the flowers gone? Over-harvesting fuelled by surging market prices is threatening to wipe out several species of wild orchids in eastern China, some of ...
Orchids and Onions (Tribune Chronicle)
ORCHIDS: To Warren G. Harding High School Key Club and adviser, Janis Sanfrey, who recently sponsored the annual Special Needs Spring Fling dance. Key Club members volunteered their time serving refreshments and dancing the night away with students. Their efforts made a difference in many lives.
South Africa: Cape Orchid Show a Must (AllAfrica.com)
THE AUTUMN-flowering orchid season has begun and the Cape Orchid Show is holding its autumn show this weekend in Pinelands. Among the best known orchids for local gardeners are cymbidiums, which flower from May through to July.
Orchids for Mother's Day (BellaOnline)
Orchids are in fact one of the best buys you can make for any holiday, especially if you pick a Phalaenopsis.
Blooming orchids (The Pantagraph)
A whiff of vanilla is unmistakable, and it comes from an orchid. Orchids also smell of exotic spices, sweet florals, Mentholatum, new-mown hay and rotting carcasses.
Show puts orchids on center stage (Centre Daily Times)
I have always enjoyed going to Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square. One of my favorite places to visit there is the orchid house. There are so many different kinds of orchids, each with its own personality.
However, Hawaii also has a large orchid industry.
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| "Others like Cymbidiums and Cattleyas require brighter light and respond better to more exposure to direct sunlight." |
| "Other things than need to be taken into consideration are whether the wedding will take place outdoors or indoors (in an air-conditioned hall)." |
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