Cymbidium s, or boat orchids, is a genus of 52 evergreen

Evergreen

In botany, an evergreen plant is a plant that has leaves in all seasons. This contrasts with deciduous plants, which completely lose their foliage during the winter or dry season.There are many different kinds of evergreen plants, both trees and shrubs...

 species in the orchid family Orchidaceae

Orchidaceae

The Orchidaceae, commonly referred to as the orchid family, is a morphologically diverse and widespread family of monocots in the order Asparagales. Along with the Asteraceae, it is one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with between 21,950 and 26,049 currently accepted species,...

. It was first described by Olof Swartz

Olof Swartz

Olof Peter Swartz was a Swedish botanist and taxonomist. He is best known for his taxonomic work and studies into pteridophytes...

 in 1799. The name is derived from the Greek word kumbos, meaning 'hole, cavity'. It refers to the form of the base of the lip. The genus is abbreviated Cym in horticultural trade.

Distribution

This genus is distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia

Asia

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...

 (such as northern India

India

India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

, China

China

Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

, Malaysia, the Philippines

Philippines

The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

, and Borneo

Borneo

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located north of Java Island, Indonesia, at the geographic centre of Maritime Southeast Asia....

) and northern Australia

Australia

Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...

. The larger flowered species from which the large flowered hybrids are derived grow at high altitudes.

Culinary Usage

The species Cymbidium hookerianum is considered a delicacy in Bhutan where it is traditionally cooked in a spicy curry or stew and called "olatshe" or "olachoto". It is sometimes confused with Cyclanthera pedata, another local delicacy (the nomenclature has not been clearly established; there are indications that "olatshe" usually refers to Cymb. and "olachoto" to Cycl., although not consistently).

Growth

Cymbidium plant

Plant

Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Precise definitions of the kingdom vary, but as the term is used here, plants include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The group is also called green plants or...

s are sympodial

Sympodial

Sympodial means "with conjoined feet", and in biology is often used to refer to the outward morphology or mode of growth of organisms.-In botany:...

 and grow to a height of 60 cm and the raceme

Raceme

A raceme is a type of inflorescence that is unbranched and indeterminate and bears pedicellate flowers — flowers having short floral stalks called pedicels — along the axis. In botany, axis means a shoot, in this case one bearing the flowers. In a raceme, the oldest flowers are borne...

s as high as 90 cm. The raceme grows from the base of the most recent pseudobulb

Pseudobulb

The pseudobulb is a storage organ derived from the part of a stem between two leaf nodes.It applies to the orchid family , specifically certain groups of epiphytic orchids, and may be single or composed of several internodes with evergreen or deciduous leaves along its length.In some species, it is...

. Each flower can have a diameter of 5 to 10 cm, according to the species. They bloom during the winter, and each plant can have up to fifteen or more flower

Flower

A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants . The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs...

s. The fantastic range of colors for this genus

Genus

In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...

 include white, green, yellowish-green, cream, yellow, brown, pink, and red [and orange] (and there may be markings of other color shades at the same time), but not blue and black. The flowers last about ten weeks. They have a waxy texture. The rounded sepal

Sepal

A sepal is a part of the flower of angiosperms . Collectively the sepals form the calyx, which is the outermost whorl of parts that form a flower. Usually green, sepals have the typical function of protecting the petals when the flower is in bud...

s and petal

Petal

Petals are modified leaves that surround the reproductive parts of flowers. They often are brightly colored or unusually shaped to attract pollinators. Together, all of the petals of a flower are called a corolla. Petals are usually accompanied by another set of special leaves called sepals lying...

s have about the same dimensions. They show very diverse color patterns, different for every species.

It is one of the most popular and desirable orchids in the world because of the beautiful flowers. These plants make great houseplant

Houseplant

A houseplant is a plant that is grown indoors in places such as residences and offices. Houseplants are commonly grown for decorative purposes, positive psychological effects, or health reasons such as indoor air purification...

s, and are also popular in floral arrangements and corsages. They have been cultivated for thousands of years, especially in China

China

Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

. Cymbidiums became popular in Europe during the Victorian era

Victorian era

The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...

. One feature that makes the plant so popular is the fact that it can survive during cold temperatures (as low as 7˚ C or 45˚ F) [Actually they will survive at temperatures below 32˚F for short periods and even as low as 28˚F].

Species

• Cymbidium aestivum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 夏鳳蘭) (Yunnan
  Yunnan
  Yunnan is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the far southwest of the country spanning approximately and with a population of 45.7 million . The capital of the province is Kunming. The province borders Burma, Laos, and Vietnam.Yunnan is situated in a mountainous area, with...
  
  , China South-Central)
• Cymbidium aliciae (Philippines)
• Cymbidium aloifolium
  Cymbidium aloifolium
  The Aloe-leafed Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Aloe-Leafed Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 紋瓣蘭) (Himalaya to W. Malaysia)
• Cymbidium atropurpureum (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 紫中華寒蘭) (S. Thailand, W. & C. Malaysia)
• Cymbidium bicolor
  Cymbidium bicolor
  The Two-colored Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Two-Colored Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 硬葉蘭) (S. China to Trop. Asia)
  • Cymbidium bicolor subsp. bicolor (S. India, Sri Lanka) Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium bicolor subsp. obtusum (Himalaya to S. China and Indo-China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium bicolor subsp. pubescens (W. & C. Malaysia)
• Cymbidium borneense (N. & NW. Borneo)
• Cymbidium canaliculatum
  Cymbidium canaliculatum
  The Small Groof-leafed Cymbidium is a species of orchid, also known as the Banana Orchid or Queensland Black Orchid....
  
  : Banana Orchid, Queensland Black Orchid, Small Groove-leaf Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 溝唇蘭) (N. & E. Australia)
• Cymbidium chawalongense (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 察瓦龍綠蘭) (newly discovered in Tibet
  Tibet
  Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
  
  )
• Cymbidium chloranthum
  Cymbidium chloranthum
  The Green-flowered Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Green-flowered Cymbidium (W. Malaysia)
• Cymbidium cochleare (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 垂花蘭) (E. Himalaya to Taiwan)
• Cymbidium concinnum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 麗花蘭) (Yunnan, SW China)
• Cymbidium cyperifolium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 莎葉蘭) (Himalaya to S. China and Philippines)
  • Cymbidium cyperifolium subsp. cyperifolium (Himalaya to S. China).. Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium cyperifolium subsp. indochinense (Indo-China, Philippines). Pseudobulb epiphyte
• Cymbidium dayanum
  Cymbidium dayanum
  The Day's Cymbidium is a species of orchid, also known as the Phoenix Orchid or Tree Orchid....
  
  : Phoenix Orchid, Tree Orchid, Day's Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 冬鳳蘭) (Himalaya to S. Japan and Malaysia)
• Cymbidium defoliatum (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 落葉蘭) (China)
• Cymbidium devonianum: Devon's Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 地旺蘭) (Nepal to N. Thailand)
• Cymbidium eburneum
  Cymbidium eburneum
  The Ivory-colored Cymbidium is a species of orchid."Cymbidium eburneum, Lindley. - A remarkably handsome evergreen species, one of the finest of the genus. It is of very compact growth, forming graceful tufts of distichous linear-lorate foliage...
  
  : Ivory-colored Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 獨佔春) (Himalaya to Hainan)
• Cymbidium elongatum (NW. Borneo)
• Cymbidium elegans (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 莎草蘭) (SW China)
• Cymbidium ensifolium
  Cymbidium ensifolium
  The Four Season Orchid is a species of orchid, also known as the Golden-thread Orchid, Spring Orchid, Burned Apex Orchid and Rock Orchid....
  
  : Four Season Orchid, Golden-thread Orchid, Spring Orchid, Burned Apex Orchid, Rock Orchid (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 建蘭, 四季蘭) (Trop. & Temp. E. Asia)
  • Cymbidium ensifolium subsp. ensifolium: Mt. Tu-Wu Fall Orchid (Indo-China to Temp. E. Asia). Pseudobulb, epiphyte
  • Cymbidium ensifolium subsp. haematodes (S. India to New Guinea). Pseudobulb epiphyte
• Cymbidium erythraeum
  Cymbidium erythraeum
  The Indian Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Indian Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 長葉蘭) (Himalaya to SC. China)
• Cymbidium erythrostylum
  Cymbidium erythrostylum
  The Red Column Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Red Column Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 紅柱蘭) (Vietnam)
• Cymbidium faberi: Multi-flower Orchid, Miscanthus Orchid (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 蕙蘭, 九華蘭) (Uttaranchal to Taiwan)
  • Cymbidium faberi var. faberi (C. & S. China, Taiwan). Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium faberi var. szechuanicum (Chinese
    Chinese language
    The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
    
    : 送春) (Uttaranchal to SC. China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
• Cymbidium finlaysonianum: Finlayson's Cymbidium (Indo-China to Malaysia)
• Cymbidium flavum (China)
• Cymbidium floribundum
  Cymbidium floribundum
  The Yellow Margin Orchid is a species of orchid, also known as the Golden Leaf-edge Orchid or Golden-edged Orchid....
  
  : Golden Leaf-edge Orchid, Golden-edged Orchid, Yellow Margin Orchid (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 金棱邊, 多花蘭) (S. China, Taiwan).
• Cymbidium goeringii: Spring Orchid (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 春蘭) (Himalaya to Temp. E. Asia).
  • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. goeringii : Goering's Cymbidium (Himalaya to Temp. E. Asia). Pseudobulb epiphyte
    • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. goeringii var. goeringii: Chinese Spring Orchid, Japanese Spring Orchid, Korean Spring Orchid (Chinese
      Chinese language
      The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
      
      : 江浙春蘭, 日本春蘭, 韓國春蘭) (Temp. E. Asia) Pseudobulb epiphyte
    • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. goeringii var. formosanum: Taiwanese Spring Orchid (Chinese
      Chinese language
      The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
      
      : 台灣春蘭) (Taiwan) Pseudobulb epiphyte
    • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. goeringii var. forrestii: Yunnanese Spring Orchid (Chinese
      Chinese language
      The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
      
      : 雲南春蘭, 朵朵香) (SW. China) Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. gracillimum : Leek Orchid, Chive Orchid (Chinese
    Chinese language
    The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
    
    : 豆瓣綠, 豆瓣蘭, 綫葉春蘭) (Japan to S. China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. longibracteatum (SC. China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
    • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. longibracteatum var. longibracteatum Sword-leaf Spring Orchid (Chinese
      Chinese language
      The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
      
      : 春劍) (SC. China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
    • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. longibracteatum var. tsukengensis Mt. Tsukerg Orchid, Snow Orchid (Chinese
      Chinese language
      The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
      
      : 雪蘭) (SC. China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. tortisepalum : Broad-leaf Spring Orchid (Chinese
    Chinese language
    The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
    
    : 菅草蘭) (SC. China to Taiwan) Pseudobulb epiphyte
    • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. tortisepalum var. tortisepalum (Chinese
      Chinese language
      The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
      
      : 埤亞蘭) (Taiwan). Pseudobulb epiphyte
    • Cymbidium goeringii subsp. tortisepalum var. lianpan Miscanthus Orchid (Chinese
      Chinese language
      The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
      
      : 蓮瓣蘭) (SC. China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
• Cymbidium gongshanense (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 貢山鳳蘭) (S. China)
• Cymbidium hartinahianum J.B.Comber
  James Comber
  Jim "James" Boughtwood Comber was born in Scotland into a family famous for horticulture. After studying in Kew he worked at Sapang and later near Medan . After appointment by Ciba-Geigy he stayed at Jakarta and later Surabaya. He spent some of his leisure time photographing orchids...
  
   & Nasution 1977 (N. Sumatra)
• Cymbidium hookerianum
  Cymbidium hookerianum
  Cymbidium hookerianum is a species of orchid....
  
   (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 虎頭蘭, 青蟬蘭) (E. Nepal to S. China).
• Cymbidium insigne: Splendid Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 美花蘭) (N. Thailand to Hainan)
• Cymbidium iridioides
  Cymbidium iridioides
  The Iris-like Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Iris-like Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 黃蟬蘭) (Himalaya to SC. China)
• Cymbidium kanran
  Cymbidium kanran
  The Cold-growing Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Cold-growing Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 寒蘭) (S. China to S. Japan)
• Cymbidium lancifolium: Green-flowered Peacock Orchid, Lance-leafed Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 兔耳蘭) (Trop. & Subtrop. Asia)
  • Cymbidium lancifolium var. lancifolium : Green Bamboo-leaf Orchid, Cut-grass Orchid (Trop. & Subtrop. Asia) Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium lancifolium var. papuanum (New Guinea). Pseudobulb epiphyte
• Cymbidium longifolium (Himalaya to SC. China)
• Cymbidium lowianum: Low's Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 碧玉蘭) (China to N. Indo-China)
  • Cymbidium lowianum var. kalawense (Myanmar). Pseudobulb epiphyte
  • Cymbidium lowianum var. lowianum (China to N. Indo-China). Pseudobulb epiphyte
• Cymbidium macrorhizon (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 大根蘭) (N. Pakistan to Temp. E. Asia).
• Cymbidium madidum
  Cymbidium madidum
  The Northern Cymbidium is a species of plant in the Orchidaceae family, also known as the Buttercup Orchid and Moist Forest Cymbidium....
  
  : Buttercup Orchid, Northern Cymbidium, Moist Forest Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 濕地蘭) (Queensland to N. New South Wales)
• Cymbidium maguanense F.Y. Liu: Ivory-colored Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 象牙白) (Yunnan, SW China)
• Cymbidium mastersii
  Cymbidium mastersii
  The Master's Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Master's Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 大雪蘭) (E. Himalaya to China)
• Cymbidium micranthum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen (2004) (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 細花蘭) (Yunnan, China South-Central,temperate Asia)
• Cymbidium multiradicatum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 多根蘭) (Yunnan, SW China)
• Cymbidium munronianum (E. Himalaya to Assam)
• Cymbidium nanulum (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 珍珠矮) (China (SW. Yunnan, SW. Guizhou), Hainan)
• Cymbidium omeiense Y.S.Wu & S.C.Chen (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 峨眉春蕙) (China, Xichuan)
• Cymbidium parishii
  Cymbidium parishii
  Cymbidium parishii is a species of orchid....
  
   (S. Myanmar)
• Cymbidium qiubeiense (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 邱北冬蕙蘭) (China)
• Cymbidium rectum (Malaysia, N. Borneo)
• Cymbidium roseum (W. Malaysia)
• Cymbidium sanderae: Sander's Cymbidium (Vietnam)
• Cymbidium schroederi (C. Vietnam)
• Cymbidium sigmoideum (W. Malaysia)
• Cymbidium sinense: Chinese Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 墨蘭) (Assam to Nansei-shoto)
• Cymbidium suave
  Cymbidium suave
  Cymbidium suave , or the Snake Orchid, is an Australian orchid species that is part of the genus Cymbidium which consists of 52 species....
  
  : Snake Orchid (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 蛇蘭) (E. Australia)
• Cymbidium suavissimum (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 果香蘭) (N. Myanmar)
• Cymbidium teretipetiolatum (China)
• Cymbidium tigrinum
  Cymbidium tigrinum
  The Tiger-striped Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Tiger-striped Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 斑舌蘭) (Assam to China).
• Cymbidium tracyanum
  Cymbidium tracyanum
  The Tracy's Cymbidium is a species of orchid....
  
  : Tracy's Cymbidium (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 西藏虎頭蘭) (SE. Tibet to China and Indo-China)
• Cymbidium wenshanense (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 文山紅柱蘭) (China to Vietnam)
• Cymbidium whiteae (Sikkim)
• Cymbidium wilsonii (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 滇南虎頭蘭) (China)

Natural Hybrids

• Cymbidium × ballianum (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 巴氏雪蘭) (= C. eburneum × C. mastersii) (Myanmar)
• Cymbidium × baoshanense (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 保山蘭) (= C. lowianum × C. tigrinum) (SC. Yunnan
  Yunnan
  Yunnan is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the far southwest of the country spanning approximately and with a population of 45.7 million . The capital of the province is Kunming. The province borders Burma, Laos, and Vietnam.Yunnan is situated in a mountainous area, with...
  
  )
• Cymbidium × chiu-lih(?) (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 秋麗蘭) (= C. lancifolium × C. ensifolium) (China)
• Cymbidium × nishiuchianum (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 春寒蘭) (= C. goeringii × C. kanran) (Taiwan)
• Cymbidium × nishiuchianum (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 春暉) (= C. goeringii subsp. goeringii var. formosanum × C. kanran) (Taiwan)
• Cymbidium × florinda (= C. erythrostylum × C. iridioides. Cyperorchis × florinda) (Vietnam)
• Cymbidium × gammieanum (= C. elegans × C. erythraeum. Cyperorchis × gammieana) (Nepal to Sikkim)
• Cymbidium × glebelandensis (= C. insigne × C. schroederi) (Vietnam)
• Cymbidium × jy-shiang(?) (Chinese
  Chinese language
  The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
  
  : 芝香蘭) (= C. lancifolium × C. sinense) (China)
• Cymbidium × rosefieldense (= C. hookerianum × C. tracyanum. Cyperorchis × rosefieldensis) (Vietnam)
• Cymbidium × woodlandense (= C. mastersii × C. tracyanum. Cyperorchis × woodlandensis) (Myanmar)

Asian Cymbidium

Asian Cymbidiums or Chinese Cymbidiums refer to mainly five species of cymbidiums orchids that are found throughout East Asia in areas of China

China

Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

, Korea

Korea

Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

, India

India

India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

, and in parts of Thailand

Thailand

Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...

 and Vietnam

Vietnam

Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...

. These species are usually grown for their variegated

Variegation

Variegation is the appearance of differently coloured zones in the leaves, and sometimes the stems, of plants. This may be due to a number of causes...

 leaves. But plants are also grown for their fragrant flowers and peloric flower structure. Plants are usually grown in long and thin vase like pots. The five species are:

• Cymbidium sinense 墨蘭
• Cymbidium ensifolium 建蘭
• Cymbidium kanran 寒蘭
• Cymbidium goeringii 春蘭 (all the varieties like v. longibracteatum 春劍, v. lianpan 蓮瓣蘭, subsp. gracillimum 豆瓣蘭 are treated as different groups in the culture traditionally) Image
• Cymbidium faberi 蕙蘭

Diseases

Cymbidiums are susceptible to the Tobacco mosaic virus

Tobacco mosaic virus

Tobacco mosaic virus is a positive-sense single stranded RNA virus that infects plants, especially tobacco and other members of the family Solanaceae. The infection causes characteristic patterns on the leaves . TMV was the first virus to be discovered...

and Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus.

External links

• Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus
• Cymbidium Society of America
• Cymbidium faberi's Maximum Card from China, 1988
• Cymbidium goeringii's Maximum Card from China, 1988
• Cymbidium ensifolium's Maximum Card from China, 1988
• Cymbidium sinense's Maximum Card from China, 1988
• Multikey System for Identification of Cymbidium species