Complete Collection of Existing Traditional Cymbidium faberi Varieties, All in One View
"Huayao" was the name given when it was first selected; later it was formally named "Jiangzhu" by Mr. Wu Yuliang of Xiamen. "Jiangzhu": the three outer petals together with the two inner petals are purple-red, hence "Jiang" (crimson); the lip petal is large and rounded, hence "Zhu" (pearl).
In recent years, as orchid prices have continued to decline, many orchid enthusiasts have started growing Cymbidium faberi. However, in conversations with some orchid friends, I found that many people know very little about the distinction between green Cymbidium faberi and red Cymbidium faberi, and some new orchid friends even made jokes by mixing up green and red Cymbidium faberi. For this reason, I believe it is necessary to discuss the classification of Cymbidium faberi with orchid friends. Below I will introduce my understanding of Cymbidium faberi; please point out any inaccuracies: Cymbidium faberi is customarily called "huilan," but this naming is inappropriate, because orchids with multiple flowers on one stem are collectively called "hui," and Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium kanran, and Cymbidium sinense are also types of "hui." Cymbidium faberi is traditionally divided into green Cymbidium faberi, red Cymbidium faberi, and green plain-color Cymbidium faberi. In ancient times, 187 varieties of Cymbidium faberi were recorded. After the trials of history, only 61 varieties remain (some books say 62), among which: 20 are green Cymbidium faberi, 30 are red Cymbidium faberi, and 8 are green plain-color Cymbidium faberi. In addition: Hanbi Mei is still undetermined, and Chixia is a dual-art variety of leaf and flower; then there is Tuanzi He. In the autumn of 2003, a friend in southern China told me that one of his orchid friends had this variety, but for various reasons we could not go to verify it. However, in recent years some magazines have reported this flower, indicating that it indeed still exists, which I am deeply gratified by. I hope people can leave more good orchid varieties for future generations.
To make it easier for everyone to distinguish and remember, I will now introduce the surviving varieties of Cymbidium faberi:
I. Green Cymbidium faberi:
Lao Fengqiao, Pan Lu, Da Yipin, Dangzi, Hou Cuichan, Lao Shanghai Mei, Shending, Xian Lu, Lu Fengqiao, Lao Jipin, Qinghua Mei, Lou Mei, Liu Mei, Diecui, Peixian, Cui'e, Chenliu Lu Mei, Haiou, Qinhuai Lu Mei, Huazi. A total of 20 varieties.
To make it easier for everyone to remember, I have compiled them into a catchy mnemonic rhyme, now published as follows:
Yipin, Pan, Erxian, Lao San, Shen, Hou, Dang; Er Cui, Yi Lu, Haiou, Liu, Chenliu, Qinghua, Qinhuai, Lou. Plus one Huazi.
II. Red Cymbidium faberi and red-turning-green Cymbidium faberi:
Ruihua, Yuanzi, Yemei, Wenhua Xian, Yongchun Mei, Changyuan Mei, Da Chenzi, Cheng Mei, Guanding, Lao Ranzi, Zheng Xiaohe, Ding Xiaohe, Xiuzi, Chi Fengqiao, Zheding, Rong Mei, Duoyun, Duan Mei, Xin Jipin, Cui Mei, Xiepei Mei, Duan Hui Mei, Tianxi Mei, Yushan Mei, Shiyuan, Changshou Mei, Dongshan Mei, Zhenpin, Jin Mei, Nanyang Mei.
III. Green plain-color Cymbidium faberi:
Tai Su, Wenzhou Su, Ruyi Su, Wang Mingyang Su, Cuiding He Su, Jinhua Su, Jiangshan Su, Quzhou Su.
IV. Dual-art varieties of leaf and flower:
Xianxia.