Golden millet orchid
Chloranthus spicatus

Family: Chloranthaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. The leaves are opposite and have teeth around the edge. They are oval or sword shaped and taper to the tip. The leaves are fragrant. The flowers are in spikes. They are greenish white and at the ends of branches. The fruit are white berries with black spots. The small flowers look like millet and smell like cymbidiums.

It is indigenous to Thailand.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the subtropics.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Britain, China, Europe, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flowers are used to scent tea. The petals are removed. (Chu-lan-cha) It has occasionally been used as a spice.

It is a popular tea. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Tea scenting flowers, spice, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cha ran, Chulan, Foi-fah, Jinsulan, Pearl orchid flower

Synonyms

Chloranthus inconspicuus Swartz.; Chloranthus indicus Wight; Chloranthus obtusofolius Miquel;