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Anatomy of the Plant

The almost pure white flowers of Cymbidium ensifolium Kuan Yin Su Xin, "White Goddess of Mercy" are considered very desirable

Asian Cymbidiums are often sold in "growths". Each growth is an independent pseudo-bulb that was divided from the back bulb or parent bulb. The pseudo-bulbs each have an independent root system. Unlike the roots of Cymbidium hybrids, the roots on Asian Cymbidiums seldom branch and therefore do not tangle. The stem of the growth is usually very short, 1 inch (2-3 cm) and is narrow 1/2 inch ( 1.5 cm). The stem supports the many leaves that branch from it in a grass like fashion. The pseudo-bulb acts as the main water and nutrient storage device. In comparison to other orchids, the pseudo-bulb is small and cannot store large amounts of water, necessitating frequent watering during their growth phase. (See notes on growing conditions).

To Asian collectors the leaves of the Cymbidium are almost more important than the flowers. The leaves can vary thickness and length depending upon the species. For example the georengii can be 1 cm (1/4 inch) by 6 inches long, while the sinense can be 4 cm (1.5 inch) wide by 18" tall. Most leaves are flat but some can be oval as in the "Tu Er Lan" (Rabbit Ear Orchid). Other physical variations include distinct twists, curls and spirals, but the most important trait to the collector is the appearance of variegations. The variegations have occurred through the evolution process, and have been further enhanced through breeding. The variegations can be classified into several types depending upon the pattern of variegation and the color. In general, variegation is considered a stronger variation and is more desirable and valuable.

Flowers

The flowers of the Asian Cymbidiums tend to be small, when compared to most other Cymbidiums. Spikes can be twice the height of the plant. The number, shape, fragrance and timing of flowers vary by species. Within a species, many of the variations are named dependent upon the color of the flower. For Example, in the sinense species, there are variations with flowers that range from almost black, sinense "San Chuan" to pure yellow "Wu Tsu Tsai", to red, sinense "Ta Ming" to almost pure white sinense "Bai Mo Su". Pure color flowers are thought to be the most valuable.

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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.