Dendrobium nobile
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
An orchid. The stems are erect. They are 10-60 cm long. The base is fleshy. The leaves are 6-11 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They have a clasping sheath. The flowering stems arise from old stems. There are 1-4 flowers. The flowers are large and white.
It is also used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows on tree trunks in mountain forests and on rocks in mountain valleys between 500-1,700 m above sea level in southern China. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The stems are used for a tea substitute and for liquor brewing.
It is cultivated and also occurs wild. It is sold in local markets in China.
Edible parts
Stems, flowers, stems - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Daung-myi-thitkwa