Cymbidium hookerianum

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. It can grow attached to other plants. The false bulbs are narrowly oval and flattened and 3-8 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are partly enclosed by the leaf bases. There are 4-6 leaves. They are 35-60 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. They bend 6-10 cm from the base. The flowering shoot arises near the base of the false bulbs. There are 7-14 flowers. The flowers have a scent. They are green or yellowish green with red spots.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in trees in forests and on rocks along valleys between 1,100-2,700 m above sea level in southern China. In Northeastern India it grows at 4,300 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flowers are washed and boiled then drained and spices, melted cheese and salt are added. This is then cooked for a further 5 minutes.

Edible parts

Flower buds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Pan-thetshe-wa

Synonyms

Cymbidium giganteum var. hookerianum (Rchb.f.) Desbois; Cymbidium grandiflorum var. punctatum Cogn.; Cyperorchis grandiflora Schltr.;