Introduction to the characteristics of the Cymbidium ensifolium variety Caiyun Zhuiyue

Caiyun Zhuiyue is a Cymbidium ensifolium (Jianlan) narcissus-petal variety whose place of origin is Meishan, Sichuan. A few years ago, an orchid enthusiast in Meishan, Sichuan, gambled on a dragon-root grass and won a fine "piaomen" flower of Sijilan (four-season orchid), hailed as the best gamble grass in the Meishan area over the years. It was later collected by Dr. Li of Sichuan. When Mr. Chen Xutong, an orchid enthusiast from Chenghai, heard of it, he went to Dr. Li and obtained one seedling, after which it spread as it was collected by various orchid enthusiasts. It has also been introduced to Yunnan and other places. The original collector called this flower "Siji Duoyun" (Four-Season Cloud), but because the name was too general, many ordinary piaomen flowers were passed off under it, and some unscrupulous merchants took the opportunity to make fakes. Because the outer petals of this variety closely resemble dancing colorful clouds, and its round, smooth tongue looks like an auspicious full moon, Mr. Zheng Liyong, owner of the Hanjiang Orchid House garden, specially named it "Caiyun Zhuiyue" (Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon) so that everyone could identify it.

A top-grade piaomen of Sijilan, it is a unique variety among the wrinkled-edged plum-petal forms. The leaves are tall and large, slanting upright, with leaf length 28-38 cm and width 1.3-1.8 cm; the flower stalk is green and relatively thick, and the flower opens facing upward, held level or above the leaves. The flower is not large, with a diameter of 2.2-2.8 cm. The five petals are wavy, with a large liuhai (fringe) tongue. This flower's opening is subtle and reserved: some of the petals (pengban) open and some do not, seeming to open yet not opening, gathering and scattering, with a measured balance of tension and relaxation, expressing a reserved and shy demeanor. Its fragrance is pure and authentic, and its flower posture, color, form, and charm are all well-proportioned and proper. If it blooms in cooler weather, it will undergo a change of color transformation, and the contrast among red, green, white, and yellow becomes even stronger.