Introduction to the Characteristics of the Jianlan 'Shisan Taibao' Variety
Among the many-flowered celebrated varieties of the Jianlan (Cymbidium ensifolium) white-lipped type, Shisan Taibao ranks third. It may have been named for the number of flowers on its scape, which can reach as many as thirteen, borrowing the allusion of the "Taibao." This variety originates in western Fujian. There can be a large-leaf type and a fine-leaf type. Among the four great many-flowered celebrated varieties of the Jianlan white-lipped type, relatively speaking, this variety has smaller pseudobulbs and longer leaf stalks, ...
Among the many-flowered celebrated varieties of the Jianlan (Cymbidium ensifolium) white-lipped type, Shisan Taibao ranks third. It may have been named for the number of flowers on its scape, which can reach as many as thirteen, borrowing the allusion of the "Taibao." Its advantages are large flowers and many flowers! Its drawback is that the leaf form is too tall and large!
This variety originates in western Fujian. There can be a large-leaf type and a fine-leaf type. Among the four great many-flowered celebrated varieties of the Jianlan white-lipped type, relatively speaking, this variety has smaller pseudobulbs and longer leaf stalks, with a semi-upright leaf posture; the leaf tips droop downward and then curl upward again, which is the exclusive characteristic for identifying this variety.
In the large-leaf type of this variety, the leaf width is 1.2 to 1.6 cm and the length is 50 to 65 cm; in the fine-leaf type, the leaf width is only 0.7 to 1 cm and the length is between 32 and 42 cm. Correspondingly, the flower diameter also differs noticeably. The leaf surface is flat and bright green, the leaf margins curl slightly backward, and the leaf tips taper to a smooth point.
This variety blooms green in summer, and when it blooms after the Beginning of Autumn the petal tips appear greenish-white, with the other parts greenish-white. The flower diameter is about 5 cm, and the main petal is 5-6 mm wide. This species is robust and vigorous by nature, and along with Shuixian Su and Guifei Su it is a variety suitable for cultivation on high-rise buildings. In Jiangnan, it blooms twice a year. The first time is around August, and the second time is in September. And no matter when it blooms, its fragrance is pure and rich, making it truly an excellent variety.
