Introduction and Characteristics of the Qiandongmei Chunlan Variety

    Breeding history: Collected in the wild in 1997, bred by Xue Tianmin of Tongren, Guizhou. Won the gold award at the 11th China (Guiyang) Orchid Exposition in 2001. In 2002, it was registered by the China Orchid Registration Committee as a famous plum-petal variety from Guizhou, registration number: (Lan) 0118.

    A true-form plum-petal flower of Chunlan. The three outer petals are short, round and broad, with tightly rolled edges, narrowed bases and angled tips, and the petal tips curve up like spoons. The soft silkworm-moth pollinia are thick and rounded at the tips, with the two pollinia tightly clasped and not separating. The flower is large, fragrant and dignified in appearance, with a slight drooping shoulder when open for a long time. The large ruyi tongue has regular markings on its surface, purple-red in color, clear and bright; it is a vigorous grower and blooms readily.

    Unfortunately, hidden red veins often appear between the petals, making the petal color impure and the petal texture slightly less delicate. Yet the size of the plum-type flower of Qiandong and the dignity of its flower form are all the more precious. Although the plant of Qiandongmei is also relatively tall and upright, its tall, erect flower scape still allows the flower to be appreciated without obstruction. This shows its grand, open bearing.

    Among the petal-type Chunlan flowers from the west, the one that has spread far and wide in reputation and is deeply appreciated and recognized by orchid lovers in Jiangsu and Zhejiang is probably none other than this variety, 'Qiandongmei'!