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4 September, 2023

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The Meaning, Origin, Cultivation, and Care of White Wood Orchids

White wood orchids are a popular and beloved traditional herbal medicine that offers numerous health benefits. This article provides comprehensive information about the meaning, origin, cultivation, and care of white wood orchids.

1. What are White Wood Orchids?

Origin and Meaning

Origin, meaning of white wood orchids

White wood orchids, scientifically known as Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall, belong to the Trúc đào species (Trúc đào is a bamboo species called sừng trâu in Vietnamese). They have large leaves and white flowers. These orchids are widely distributed and commonly found in India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and various provinces in Vietnam.

Characteristics and Classification

Characteristics, classification of white wood orchids

White wood orchids can grow up to 13m tall with a circumference of about 1.1m. They are woody plants with smooth branches, red-colored fine hair, and white cork. The leaves are oval-shaped, shiny light green, and measure around 12-15cm long and 4-8cm wide. The white flowers bloom in clusters between the leaves or at the top of the branches. The fruits are cylindrical, about 15-45cm long, and contain elongated brown seeds.

2. Health Benefits of White Wood Orchids

Anti-Diarrhea

White wood orchids have anti-diarrheal properties and can inhibit toxins from bacteria in the intestines, reducing the toxicity of intestinal bacteria. They are also effective against bacteria such as staphylococcus and dysentery, making them useful for preventing colitis.

Benefits of white wood orchids

Reduces Diabetes

Ethanol extract from white wood orchids can help reduce the risk of diabetes. Consuming approximately 400mg/kg of white wood orchids for 21 days is comparable to a dose of glibenclamide, an oral medication for diabetes.

Anti-Parasitic

The bark and seeds of white wood orchids contain conessin, which can eliminate parasites such as worms, amoebic dysentery, and tapeworms. Conessin inhibits the growth of parasites and reduces their numbers in the body.

White wood orchids have many uses

Anti-Cancer Properties

White wood orchids can fight against various cancer cells, including breast, colon, cervix, central nervous system, lung, liver, mouth, ovaries, and prostate cells. They also offer additional health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, preventing spasms, protecting against oxidation, and treating blood disorders, fever, jaundice, and anemia.

3. Planting and Caring for White Wood Orchids

Planting White Wood Orchids at Home

From Seeds:

Planting from seeds

Collect seeds from ripe fruits and sow them in September-October or dry and plant them in the following spring.
Soak the dried seeds in warm water at 40-45 degrees Celsius for 4-5 hours. Then sow the seeds in the garden, cover them with soil, straw, or dry grass, and water them.
After 10-15 days, when the seeds germinate, remove the straw. When the seedlings reach 10-15cm, trim them and space them approximately 20-25cm apart. Plant the trimmed seedlings in the garden or landscape with 4-5m spacing.
If planting in pots, sow multiple seeds (2-3 seeds per pot) and keep the healthiest plant.
Plant seedlings at the beginning or middle of the rainy season. Dig 40cm x 40cm x 40cm holes with a spacing of 2m between each hole. Add 10-15kg of manure to each hole before planting the seedlings.

From Branches:

Planting from branches

Select straight branches about 1.5-2m long. Cut them into 20-25cm sections and tilt them into the hole, placing 2 sections in each hole.
Fill the hole with soil until it reaches 3/4 of the length of the branch. Regularly water the branch to keep it moist.
After 15-20 days, when the branches have rooted and sprouted, water and weed them for the first two months.

How to plant and care for white wood orchids

Caring for White Wood Orchids

During the germination phase, it is important to regularly water the plants while avoiding waterlogging. Additionally, fertilize the plants with a variety of manure to promote growth and faster fruiting.

Important Notes

White wood orchids require patience and care as their harvesting time is long (8-10 years). In the first few years, do not neglect the plants. Once they have stabilized, reduce the frequency of watering and fertilizing.

4. Stunning Pictures of White Wood Orchids

Beautiful white wood orchids

Beautiful white wood orchid plant

Beautiful pictures of white wood orchids

Leaves and flowers of white wood orchids

White wood orchid plant

This article provides information about white wood orchids, including their meanings, benefits, and how to plant and care for them. We hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for reading.