Calanthe_discolor
Calanthe discolor
Species of orchid
Calanthe discolor is a species of orchid. It is native to Japan (including Nansei-shoto), and China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang), Korea.[2][3] Its vernacular name in Japanese, ebine, (海老根) means "shrimp-root" in reference to the shape of the plant's pseudobulbs and root system.[4][5]
| Calanthe discolor | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Calanthe |
| Species: | C. discolor |
| Binomial name | |
| Calanthe discolor Lindl. (1838) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Two varieties are currently accepted (May 2014):[2]
- Calanthe discolor var. amamiana (Fukuy.) Masam. – Nansei-shoto
- Calanthe discolor var. discolor – China, Japan (including Nansei-shoto), korea
The plant's bulb is roughly 2cm in length and diameter, with old bulbs persisting near the surface for over a decade. Its Japanese name comes from its shrimp-like bulb appearance. In autumn, new shoots emerge, growing slightly before overwintering. The plant typically has 2-3 thin leaves with varying shapes, featuring five longitudinal veins and a slender leaf stalk. During winter dormancy, the plant remains intact for several years.[6]
In spring, it blooms with a 30-40cm flower stalk and 2-3 bracts, bearing numerous flowers above the midpoint. The flowers open horizontally, with distinct features on the labellum. The flowering period is from April to May.[6]
Ebine plants in Reisenzan, Japan, are popular for pot cultivation and garden planting. However, they are prone to virus infections, leading to leaf necrosis and flower deformation. Managing these infections is challenging and often requires incineration of affected plants.[7]
The "Ebine Boom" of the 1970s and 1980s declined due to widespread viral infections, prompting growers to stop cultivation. Advances in artificial propagation technology now allow for virus-free seedling production, though commercial seed production of original Ebine species remains rare. Selectively bred varieties are more accessible and affordable, reducing the demand for original Ebine species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect wild Ebine species.[8]
Research suggests that stem cell extracts from Calanthe discolor can stimulate growth factors and enhance tissue protein synthesis such as collagen and elastin.[9][10]
- "Calanthe discolor var discolor, Heterotypic Synonyms". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2015-09-04.
- "Calanthe discolor Lindl., Sert. Orchid.: t. 9 (1838)". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2015-09-04.
- Xinqi Chen; Phillip J. Cribb; Stephan W. Gale. "Calanthe discolor (虾脊兰 xia ji lan)". Flora of China. p. 306. Retrieved 2015-09-04 – via eFloras.org.
- Sasaki, Sanmi (2005). Chado the Way of Tea: A Japanese Tea Master's Almanac. Translated by Shaun McCabe; Iwasaki Satoko. Tuttle. pp. 195–196. ISBN 978-0-8048-3716-3.
- Soon, Teoh Eng (2005). Orchids of Asia (3rdition ed.). Times Editions- Marshall Cavendish. p. 146. ISBN 9812610154.
- Hayashi, Yae (October 2009). Japanese Wildflowers. p. 580. ISBN 9784635090421.
- Govaerts, R. (2003). World Checklist of Monocotyledons Database in ACCESS: 1-71827. The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Lee, Sara (10 February 2023). "Plant-Powered Ingredients". Botanicary. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- Govaerts, R. (1999). World Checklist of Seed Plants 3 (1, 2a & 2b): 1-1532. Continental Publishing, Deurne.
Media related to Calanthe discolor at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Calanthe discolor at Wikispecies
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