Asian Cymbidium Orchids, traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese Orchid Containers

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Chinese Cymbidium Species

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Chinese Cymbidium Species

Cymbidium georengii longibracteatum (snow orchid) puts forth sprays of fragrant flowers in midwinter. The tall slender graceful leaves generate interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

Find out more about Cymbidium species at Stephen Early's Cymbidium species web page!

The group of Cymbidium Orchids consists of 44 classified species originating from the Asian continent. Chinese Cymbidiums are a subgenus of this group consisting of five species. This subgenus is called Cymbidium Jensoa. Many texts refer to these as "Asian" Cymbidiums, or alternately "Chinese" Cymbidiums, yet they are actually found in China, Taiwan, Japan, Miramar, and in parts of Thailand and Vietnam.

When comparing Chinese, Japanese or Korean texts to those of the West, there is confusion because of the nomenclature and the many named variations within the species groups. The five "Chinese" species coincide with the five main species of the Jensoa group.

Click here to compare Chinese Names to Latin names and English translation.

The English translations do not bear no relationship to the actually blooming times, or for that matter, the fragrance of the species. Although the faberi is extremely fragrant, so are the ensifolium, kanran, georengii, and some variations of the sinense. Within each of the species groups, there may be upwards of thirty named variations, that are recognized as distinct. These variations are defined by the color of the flowers, posture of the leaves, and leaf coloration and variegation. Species variations with pure color flowers and variegated leaves are the most sought after. Recently hybrids involving crosses within the group have appeared in Asia. They tend to be difficult to produce, taking up to five years to produce sellable offspring from the mix. To better understand the variations and value of the plants one needs to understand some of the basic anatomy of the plant.

This two-part article appeared in the American Orchid Society Magazine "Orchids" in July 1999 and August 1999. All photographs are copyright of Charles Marden Fitch 1999 and cannot be used without permission of him or the author.