Anhui Dendrobium Species Introduction
Dendrobium, commonly known as shihu in Chinese, is one of the most precious medicinal plants in China. Anhui Province, located in eastern China, is abundant in Dendrobium species, which are well known for their unique medicinal value and beauty. This article will introduce some of the most distinctive Dendrobium species in Anhui Province.
Dendrobium chrysanthum Lindl.
Dendrobium chrysanthum Lindl., also known as Huangcao shihu, has yellow flowers, hence its common name, "Golden Flower". It grows in the Taibai Mountains, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The stems of D. chrysanthum are cylindrical and have nodes that grow alternately. Its flowers are in racemes and have six yellow petals. The plant's stem is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and to enhance immunity.
Dendrobium catenatum Lindl.
Dendrobium catenatum Lindl., also known as Tiepi shihu, is a commonly used Dendrobium species in China. This species is found in Anhui, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. Its stem is grayish-green and has nodes that grow alternately. Its flowers are purple-red and bloom from late winter to early spring. D. catenatum is rich in active polysaccharides, which are believed to have antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects.
Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe
Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe, also known as Bailan shihu or Xiazhi shihu, is one of the most popular ornamental Dendrobium species in China. It is found in Anhui, Fujian, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang provinces. Its stem is slender and greenish-gray, and its flowers are white with pink edges, with a distinctive fragrance. D. loddigesii is rich in polysaccharides, which are believed to have immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.
Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook.
Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook., also known as Cuci shihu, is a unique Dendrobium species in Anhui Province. It is mainly distributed in mountainous areas, such as Huangshan, Qianshan, and Qingliangfeng. Its stem is slender and cylindrical, and its flowers are yellow with a red center. D. fimbriatum is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, and liver diseases.
Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl.
Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl., also known as Yuexian shihu, is a rare and valuable Dendrobium species in China. It is distributed in the Taihang Mountains, such as Hongdong County and Lishi District in Shanxi Province, and Huangshan City in Anhui Province. Its stem is small and cylindrical, and its flowers are white with a purple center. D. crepidatum is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, cough, and diabetes.
Conclusion
Anhui Province is well known for its abundance of Dendrobium species, and the medicinal and ornamental value of these species has been recognized for centuries. The above introduction of some of the most distinctive Dendrobium species in Anhui Province is just the tip of the iceberg. As more research is conducted on the medicinal properties of these plants, it is likely that they will continue to play an important role in traditional Chinese medicine and beyond.
