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Bletilla striata - (Thunb.)Rchb.f.

Common Name

Hyacinth Orchid

Family

Orchidaceae

Synonyms

Bletia hyacinthina.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Grassy slopes in foothills, C. and S. Japan[58]. In sandy soils amongst grassy patches on cool mountain slopes in China[147]. Margins of woods and thickets[230].

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics
BULB growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant prefers medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland).It requires moist soil.


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bletilla_striata_003.JPG

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bletilla_striata_001.JPG

Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Antiphlogistic; Demulcent; Pectoral; Skin; Styptic; Vulnerary.

The hyacinth orchid is an important wound herb in China, where it has been used medicinally for over 1,500 years[238]. The root (actually a pseudobulb) is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, demulcent, pectoral, skin, styptic and vulnerary[147, 176, 178]. It is taken internally in the treatment of haemorrhages of the stomach or lungs, uterine bleeding and nose bleeds[238]. It is particularly effective against the endotoxin produced by Haemophilus pertusis in whooping cough[176]. Externally, it is mixed with sesame oil and applied as a poultice to burns, cuts, abscesses and sores[238]. The pseudobulbs are harvested when the plant is dormant and are dried for use in decoctions and powders[238].

Other Uses
Gum; Ink; Size. The bulb is mucilaginous, it is used as a size to impart a glossiness to ink and also to make an invisible ink (seen by wetting the paper and holding it up to the light)[178].

Cultivation details

Requires a friable, damp but well-drained soil enriched with leafmold[200]. Dislikes wet soils[200]. Requires shade from the midday sun[1]. Plants prefer a sheltered position in light shade, also succeeding in full sun in humus-rich soils[230]. Plants are hardy in favoured localities in Britain but they usually require greenhouse protection in this country[1]. Plants have grown well at Kew Botanical gardens, where they have formed large colonies[230]. Apply a good organic mulch in the late autumn or lift the bulbs and store them dry in a frost free place[200]. Plant out in spring and only just cover the bulb[200]. This species is cultivated in China as a medicinal plant[238]. Grows well with ferns in a woodland setting[200]. Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid[230]. Plant the tubers no more than 5cm deep in the soil[233].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow, preferably as soon as it is ripe, in the greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed of this species is extremely simple, it has a minute embryo surrounded by a single layer of protective cells. It contains very little food reserves and depends upon a symbiotic relationship with a species of soil-dwelling fungus. The fungal hyphae invade the seed and enter the cells of the embryo. The orchid soon begins to digest the fungal tissue and this acts as a food supply for the plant until it is able to obtain nutrients from decaying material in the soil[200]. It is best to use some of the soil that is growing around established plants in order to introduce the fungus, or to sow the seed around a plant of the same species and allow the seedlings to grow on until they are large enough to move. Division in autumn. Make sure that you keep plenty of soil with each plant. It is also said to be possible to transplant orchids after they have flowered but whilst they are still in leaf. Division is best carried out in the spring[230]. Each division should have a leading point and two, or preferably three, pseudobulbs/joints of the rhizome[230]. More propagating material can be obtained by cutting halfway through the rhizome during the previous growing season at the point where you wish to divide[230]. This will stimulate the production of growth buds at the point of division[230].

Expert comment

Author
(Thunb.)Rchb.f.

Botanical References
58200

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[58]Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation)

The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.

[147]? A Barefoot Doctors Manual.

A very readable herbal from China, combining some modern methods with traditional chinese methods.

[176]Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.

An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.

[178]Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica.

A translation of an ancient Chinese herbal. Fascinating.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[230]Cribb. P. & Bailes. C. Hardy Orchids. Orchids for the Garden and Frost-free Greenhouse.

An excellent book looking at the orchids that can be grown outdoors in temperate climates and giving lots of information on how to grow them. Very lttle information on their uses.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

[238]Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.

A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.

Readers comment

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