Dendrobium, also known as Dendrobium officinalis, is a plant of the genus Dendrobium in the family Orchidaceae. Its stems are erect, cylindrical, usually unbranched, with multiple nodes, and the internodes are often swollen and spindle-shaped. Leaves leathery, oblong, apex obtuse and unequal laterally 2-lobed, with a sheath at the base. racemes emerge from the leafy or deciduous part of the old stem above the middle and usually have 2-3 flowers; bracts dry membranous, pale white, ovate, apex acuminate, peduncle and ovary pale purple; middle sepals oblong, apex obtuse, base slightly narrowed into short claws, lateral sepals nearly equal to middle sepals, apex acute, base slanted, with broad sepal sac; petals obovate-lanceolate, apex acute, base with short claws, entire, with yellow spots; Labial lobes broadly ovate, apex obtuse, with purplish-red stripes on both sides of the base and narrowed into short claws, surrounded by stamens on both sides below the middle, margins with short eyelashes, densely covered with short hairs on both sides, stamens yellowish-green, about 3 mm long, with 1 purple spot on each side of the apex; The cap is white, ovate-triangular, about 23 mm, apex nearly acute and 2-lobed. The flowering period is usually from March to June.
Dendrobium is a plant that likes to grow in a warm, humid, half-shade and half-yang environment, and it is mostly epiphytic in large tree trunks or humid areas. Due to its unique growth environment and medicinal value, Dendrobium has a wide distribution area in China, including Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan and other places. Among them, Huoshan in Anhui, Yueqing in Zhejiang, Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, Chishui in Guizhou, asbestos in Sichuan and other places are the main producing areas of Dendrobium.
Dendrobium has an important position in traditional Chinese medicine and is widely used in various traditional Chinese medicine preparations. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, Dendrobium has the effect of nourishing the stomach and rejuvenating the body, nourishing yin and clearing heat, and is often used for symptoms such as yin injury, dry mouth and thirst, retching after eating less, hypothermia after illness, and dark eyes. Modern medical research has also shown that Dendrobium contains a variety of active ingredients, such as dendrobine, dendrobium, etc., which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and other effects, and have significant effects on improving human immunity, delaying aging, and preventing diseases.
In addition to its medicinal value, Dendrobium also has a rich cultural connotation. In traditional Chinese culture, dendrobium is regarded as a plant with an elegant temperament, and is often used to symbolize loyalty, purity and nobility. Ancient literati and writers often used dendrobium as the subject for poetry to express their thoughts and perceptions of life, love and society.
In short, as a unique orchid plant, Dendrobium not only has rich medicinal value and cultural connotation, but also is a beautiful ornamental plant. Its existence not only brings convenience and beauty to our lives, but also provides us with the opportunity to learn more about and explore nature.