Introduction to the petals of the lotus variety 'Jinlong Xianbao'

        'Jinlong Xianbao', a new yellow-flowered red-lipped variety of Lianban orchid, was dug up around 2000 in Dayao, Chuxiong, by a grower surnamed Wang from Midu County, Dali. When it was collected from the wild, it was a large clump bearing two flower scapes, each with 4 flowers slightly of the lotus type; the flowers were large, the petals thick, the form excellent and the color brilliant, making it arguably a unique yellow-flowered red-lipped orchid among the Lianban orchids! At that time, fancy butterfly-type flowers were the main focus, so this flower was long overlooked, and later, because its owner was busy making a living, most of the plants died! Of the 5 surviving growths that remained, they were purchased by 3 Midu orchid growers who cultivated them with great care, and only then did this flower survive and spread. After being exhibited at the Dali International Orchid Show in 2011, 'Jinlong Xianbao' won a Silver Award; with its brilliant color and charm, it won over the orchid-loving hearts of a wide circle of growers, and its fame spread as it became highly sought after. In 2012 it won a Silver Award at the first Western China Orchid Show in Lijiang and a Silver Award at the Dali International Orchid Show. In 2013 it won the Special Gold Award at the Heqing Orchid Show, a Gold Award at the Baoshan Orchid Show, and a Silver Award at the Dali International Orchid Show.

        Characteristics: medium-wide leaves, with deep grooves at the leaf base and the upper part flat and spreading; leaves thick and stiff, about 50cm long and about 0.8-1cm wide, with about 6 leaves per growth. The flowers are relatively large, held well above the foliage, with brilliant color; the combination of flowers and leaves is majestic and imposing, making it a rare fine flower, and its numbers are extremely few!