Dian Orchid Quality Identification

Author: Chen Gui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The (Lianban Lan) is the main body of Yunnan orchids, a unique orchid species found exclusively in the mountainous regions of Yunnan. It belongs to the representative variety of high-quality fine-leaved orchids and holds significant ornamental and economic value. Its reputation within the orchid family has been steadily rising. So, when was this orchid developed? When was it recognized as a distinct orchid variety, and why was it named "Lianban Lan"? What is the meaning of "Lianban," and what records do historical documents contain about it? How do modern scholars view these questions? Yunnan orchid enthusiasts have extensively explored these issues, but no definitive answers have been found. Yunnan orchid experts cannot clearly explain the Lianban Lan, while orchid enthusiasts from other regions speak about it arbitrarily. The confusion in the understanding of Lianban Lan has led to ambiguity in its natural characteristics and misalignment in variety appreciation, affecting the establishment of its cultural status. Some classify Lianban Lan as a (Chun Lan), others as a (Xianye Chun Lan), still others as a (Hui Lan), and some even categorize the traditional Yunnan premium orchids (Daixuesu) and (Xiaoxuesu) as Lianban Lan, Jian Lan, or Han Lan. These views and claims are inappropriate, unreliable, and lack historical and practical evidence. Today, Yunnan orchid enthusiasts have developed and appreciated hundreds of varieties within the Lianban Lan category. Some of the previous uncertain views and claims about Lianban Lan should be clarified. The content cited and discussed here is based on nearly 600 years of historical records and influential materials about Lianban Lan from 1412 to 1999, aiming to trace its origins and evolution. This is done to achieve a consensus on the main body of Yunnan orchids, the Lianban Lan, restore its original meaning, and highlight the following historical documents and materials: "Nan Zhong You Fang Lu" (1412), "Continuation of the Yunnan General Gazetteer" (Guangxu era), "New Compilation of the Yunnan General Gazetteer" (1948), "Dian Lan Cultivation" (1983), "Yunnan Orchid Spectrum" (1984), "Introduction to Orchid Cultivation" (1990), "Orchids of China" (1991), "Orchids" (1992), "Appreciation of Famous Yunnan Orchids" (1993), and "Kings' Fragrance" (1999). It should be noted that while the historical records and materials are factual, the discussions may not be entirely accurate. The intention is to encourage orchid enthusiasts to explore the cultural origins of Lianban Lan and avoid vague and misleading interpretations. Lianban Lan should be evaluated based on its natural and cultural characteristics, thereby improving appreciation standards. Understanding can only approach the truth but cannot exhaust it. The purpose of citing, recording, and discussing Lianban Lan here is to approach it rather than to exhaust it, not to dispute it, but to sincerely wish to discuss it. Readers should understand this.
1. Discussion on "Nan Zhong You Fang Lu"
The "Nan Zhong You Fang Lu" (Ming Dynasty, Yang Andao, 1412) records: "Biyu Lan." The monk Dage obtained it from the Hou Mountain in Jianган (Jianганping). The leaves are 1 foot 2 inches long and 3 inches wide, thick and firm, with teeth. It blooms in January. The peduncle is like jade, 1 to 1.5 feet long. The flowers have lotus-petal shapes, a jade-green color, and are as delicate as jade carvings. There are 5 to 6 flowers, arranged in a single row, 2 inches long. The lip is thick, pale yellow, pure white, and exudes a fragrant aroma. New plants have 6 leaves, mature plants have 7 leaves, the sheath is pale green, it blooms every year, and it prefers shade and coolness.
Discussion: The "Biyu Lan" recorded in the "Nan Zhong You Fang Lu" is one of the orchids named with "" (lotus) in Yunnan's orchid history. "Biyu" refers to green jade, indicating that the flower color is jade-green. "" refers to the lotus, or the water lily, describing the appearance of the orchid as resembling a lotus. The phrase "" (flower with lotus-petal shape) in the text clarifies that it refers to the shape of the petals. Clearly, this "" does not refer to an orchid variety but rather a name.