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|genus=Bletilla

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|image=Bletilla striata 1.jpg

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[[Image:Bletilla striata2.jpg|left|thumb|''Bletilla striata'' flower]]

[[Image:Bletilla ochracea 3.jpg|right|thumb|''Bletilla ochracea'' flower]]

'''''Bletilla''''' is a [[temperate]], [[terrestrial plant|terrestrial]] [[genus]] of [[orchid]]s containing 9 [[species]] distributed through [[China]], [[Japan]] and [[Taiwan]] and [[Vietnam]]. The name is actually a diminutive of ''[[Bletia]]'' because of the resemblance between the two genera even though Bletia is a New World genus. The genera '''''Jimensia''''' <small>[[Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz|Raf.]]</small> and '''''Polytoma''''' <small>[[Lour.]] ex [[Gomes]]</small> are generally included into ''Bletilla''. This genus is abbreviated '''Ble''' in trade journals.

| image = Bletilla striata 1.jpg

| image_width = 200px

| image_caption = ''[[Bletilla striata]]''

| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]

| classis = [[Liliopsida]]

| genus = '''''Bletilla'''''

| genus_authority = [[Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach|Rchb.f.]]

| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]

*''[[Bletilla ochracea]]''

*''[[Bletilla striata]]'' - Chinese ground orchid, hardy orchid

 

'''''Bletilla''''' is a [[temperate]], [[terrestrial plant |terrestrial]] [[genus]] of [[orchid]]s containing 9 [[species]] distributed through [[China]], [[Japan]] and [[Taiwan]] and [[Vietnam]]. The name is actually a diminutive of ''[[Bletia]]'' because of the resemblance between the two genera even though Bletia is a New World genus. The genera '''''Jimensia''''' <small>[[Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz|Raf.]]</small> and '''''Polytoma''''' <small>[[Lour.]] ex [[Gomes]]</small> are generally included into ''Bletilla''.

The [[pseudobulb]]s resemble spreading [[corm]]s which usually sit at ground level. Each pseudobulb generally bears several pleated [[leaves]] around 40cm long. The [[raceme]]s of flowers emerge from the center of the years new growth before it is mature, during spring and early summer. The [[flowers]] vary in colour from white to purple, and all species have four [[pollinia]].

The [[pseudobulb]]s resemble spreading [[corm]]s which usually sit at ground level. Each pseudobulb generally bears several pleated [[leaves]] around 40cm long. The [[raceme]]s of flowers emerge from the center of the years new growth before it is mature, during spring and early summer. The [[flowers]] vary in colour from white to purple, and all species have four [[pollinia]].

'''Bletilla''' species are generally [[hardy]], though some need protection from severe frost. It is better to keep them in pots of well drained media so that water does not sit around the [[root]]s during winter when the plants are not actively growing. They should also be watered sparingly at the start of the growing season as the new shoots emerge, as new roots often do not follow for around four weeks afterwards.

'''Bletilla''' species are generally [[hardy]], though some need protection from severe frost. It is better to keep them in pots of well drained media so that water does not sit around the [[root]]s during winter when the plants are not actively growing. They should also be watered sparingly at the start of the growing season as the new shoots emerge, as new roots often do not follow for around four weeks afterwards.

'''Bletilla striata''' is the most common form found in the nursery trade and is often labeled simply as 'Hardy Orchid' or 'Chinese Ground Orchid' and is quite inexpensive.  This beautiful and hardy deciduous orchid has the distinction of being one of the first orchids in cultivation in England dating from around 1794.  The very flat knob-like tuberous root system is typically sympodial, expansive and each shoot is of annual duration only.  On established plants, almost every new growth shoot has a flower spike before leaves fully develop.  Each shoot can have up to fourteen beautiful rose-mauve flowers with a ruffled lip about 30mm diameter, scentless and looking something like a miniature Cattleya orchid flower.  An established clump can have literally dozens of flower spikes flowering in the late Spring and the clumps only increase in beauty with time.  They rarely exceed two feet in height.

'''Bletilla striata''' is the most common form found in the nursery trade and is often labeled simply as 'Hardy Orchid' or 'Chinese Ground Orchid' and is quite inexpensive.

The flowers and leaves are at the mercy of late frosts, which are to be avoided if at all possible with coverings of a sheet or newspapers. Resist the temptation to remove the mulch layer even if the  new growths are raising up the mulch due to an early Spring, unless no more frosts are likely. Unlike most tropical orchids, B. striata has attractive foliage even when not flowering.  The pleated, tapered foliage looks very similar to the juvenile leaves of many palm species.  A well established clump of these in flower is quite beautiful and they are surprisingly hardy even into USDA Zone 5 with a heavy mulch. They easily succeed in USDA Zone 6 with only a moderate mulch of straw or leaves. These hardiness ratings only apply to plants in the ground with the idea of preventing the actual root system from being frozen. If potted, they should be placed in a frost-free location if winter temperatures go below freezing. The plant is generally considered hardy without a mulch if minimum winter t

Bletilla (diminutive of Bletia). Orchidaceae. Terrestrial orchids with pseudobulbs, and a leafy at. with a terminal infl.: sepals and petals nearly alike, somewhat spreading; lip 3-lobed, furnished with lamellae, the lateral lobes surrounding the slender column; pollinia 8.—Outdoor orchids.

 

===Propagation===

== Medicinal Uses ==

''Bletilla'' is associated with the Lung, Stomach and Liver meridians in traditional Chinese medicine, and has a bitter taste and cool properties. Its main functions are to reduce swelling and stop bleeding in the lungs and stomach. It is often used with gelatin, donkey glue and cuttlefish bone as part of a larger herbal formula.

===Pests and diseases===

The typical dose of ''Bletilla'' depends on the condition being treated. Usually, practitioners recommend between 3 and 15 grams of bletilla, taken as a powder. Larger amounts can be applied to the skin, usually mixed with sesame oil.

List of species:

*''[[Bletilla chartacea]]''

 

Whole, dried ''Bletilla'' root is sold at many herbal shops, Asian markets and specialty stores. Bletilla powder is widely available, as are some decoctions that contain ''Bletilla''.  

Image:Bletilla striata var alba.JPG

Image:Upload.png| photo 3

''Bletilla'' is incompatible with aconite root, and therefore should not be taken with aconite root or any formulas that contain it. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with bletilla. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking bletilla or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.  

<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->

<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->

<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->

== Literature ==

==External links==