Buttercup Orchid
Cymbidium madidum
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
An orchid. It has large pseudobulbs. The leaves are erect to arching. They can be 80 cm long. The flower stalks are arching or hang down. They can be 1.2 m long. It may produce 50 to 60 flowers. Each flower can be 2.5 cm long. The flowers have a slight sweet scent. The flowers are green to yellow.
They are used in medicine. There are about 40 Cymbidium species and thousands of hybrids.
Where it is found
It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It can grow from sea level to 1,000 m altitude. It grows in rotting stumps. It can grow in heavy shade but also tolerate some sun. It is damaged by drought or frost. It needs humus-rich moist soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Pacific, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Pseudobulbs
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by division.