Nodding Swamp Orchid
Geodorum densiflorum

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

Geodorum densiflorum otherwise known as Nodding Swamp Orchid is a perennial orchid commonly found in East Asia. Its shoots are about 20-30cm long. It has pseudobulbs that are usually about 13-26mm n diameter. The leaves are oval in shape and are pleated along their length. The flowering stalk has 8-10 pink flowers. In Australia, it has been considered as an endangered species due to urbanization. The tuberous base is used to moisturize body parts and to relieve soreness. It also yields a glue-like substance with great tenacity used for cementing parts of musical instruments.

Geodorum densiflorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Dense forest, thickets, and clearings, on grassy slopes, and in pockets of soil on limestone at elevations from near sea level to 450 metres in Fiji.

E. Asia - southern China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, the Pacific.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, New Guinea,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The tuberous base is regarded as emollient when utilized as a poultice.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 4

Other Uses: A glue-like substance is obtained from the tuberous roots. A very strong glue with great tenacity. It is used for cementing parts of musical instruments such as guitars and mandolins. The glue is prepared in different ways. The simplest method is to simply split the rhizomes and then rub the pulp on the surfaces to be glued. Alternatively, when the rhizomes are first cooked and then finely grated, they are said to have great tenacity. The water extraction of the plant gives a gum which is separated by precipitation with alcohol. This gum has exceptional strength and lasting power.

Adhesive: Glues.

Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

How it is grown

A tropical plant. It grows on lighter soils including sand. An orchid that has a fleshy rhizome. It has round false bulbs and several broad leaves.

Propagating it: Plants are grown from seeds.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

kula

Synonyms

Arethusa glutinosa Blanco Cistella cernua (Willd.) Blume Cymbidium pictum R.Br. Dendrobium haenkeanu