Plant Introduction and Detailed Growing Habits of the Ladies' Tresses Orchid
Spiranthes, in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), genus Spiranthes. Also called Panlongshen, Longbaozhu, Shuanghucao, and Zhubiancao. A terrestrial orchid, 15-50 cm tall. Fleshy roots, with 2-4 leaves at the base, leaves linear-lanceolate or linear, 10-20 cm long. The perianth is pale pink, the lip is sac-shaped, with glandular hairs inside. It flowers around February to April, the inflorescence is terminal, 10-20 cm long, bearing many densely packed small flowers, spike-like and arranged in a spiral, flowers white or pale red, like a small dragon coiled around a pillar. Monoecious. The capsule is about 5 mm long.
Spiranthes is one of the most common wild orchids. At the mention of orchids, everyone surely pictures cymbidiums, gladiolus orchids, phalaenopsis and other orchid images. Spiranthes is just like ordinary orchids, and its cultivation and care are the same as for ordinary orchids. Spiranthes used to be a fairly common plant in rural areas, but now it is rarely seen. So its care is not difficult, just treat it the same as gladiolus orchids and phalaenopsis. The lower lip of Spiranthes is sac-shaped and also has a lace-like edge; its appearance is delicate and beautiful, and the flower shape also has the orchid-family trait of sepals and petals being hard to tell apart. The only thing is, its flowers are absurdly small; to see them clearly, you have to lie on the ground to observe this little flower less than 1 cm across. Spiranthes flowers, though small, lack none of the delicacy an orchid should have!
The whole plant of Spiranthes can be used as medicine; it is a rare herbal medicine, with the effects of nourishing yin and clearing heat, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, reducing swelling and relieving pain, and stopping bleeding. Main indications: 1. Neurasthenia, chronic tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, hemoptysis: Panlongshen and Yuzhu three qian each, decocted in water. 2. Furuncles, deep-rooted boils, abscesses, and boils: an appropriate amount of Panlongshen, pounded and applied externally.
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