An Introduction to the Characteristics and Market Price of the Old Cultivar Erqi Mei of Chinese Cymbidium (Chunlan)

Erqi Mei is an old cultivar among Chinese cymbidiums. In 1980, it was selected by Zhu Erqi of Tangdi, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, and was named “Erqi Mei,” though some also call it “Ye Mei.” This cultivar may be the most expensive among Chinese cymbidiums, with a single seedling costing around 1000 yuan. Many people like this orchid cultivar because its color is pure and its blooms are well-formed.

The three outer petals of Erqi Mei appear broad, and the main petal is shaped like an upper cover, presenting a majestic air. The sepals on both sides have constricted bases and flared angles, forming a straight horizontal shoulder. The petals are of the soft silkworm-moth type, round and smooth, with the five petals clearly separated. The lip is a large round tongue, adorned with red patches on its surface, and the flower color is tender green and semi-transparent. The flower scape is upright and tall, reaching up to 15cn, and the bracts are purplish-red with green variegation. The new shoots are bright red, and the newly emerged leaves have heavy white tips. The leaf apex is blunt, the leaf texture is thick and substantial, and the leaf surface has a “V”-shaped groove. The leaf posture is semi-pendant, with occasional twisted leaves.

The flowering period of Erqi Mei is also particularly long; it will not lose its shape even after blooming for more than 30 days. Unfortunately, it does not propagate quickly.