Cymbidium Flowers
Name : Cymbidium Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Cymbidium, (Cymbidium sp.)
Cymbidium Description
Cymbidium or Boat Orchids, is a genus comprising of 52 evergreen species in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Cymbidium orchids were first mentioned by Olof Swartz in 1799. These exotic flowers derive their name from the Greek word kumbos, meaning 'hole, cavity', referring to the form of the base of its lip. The Cymbidium genus is also abbreviated simply as Cym in horticultural trade.
Cymbidium orchids are distributed in northern Australia as well as tropical and subtropical Asia, in countries such as northern India, Japan, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Borneo. The larger flower varieties from which the large flowered hybrids are derived grow at high altitudes.
Cymbidium orchids bloom once a year during winter and spring seasons, each stem having up to fifteen or more flowers. These enchanting flowers come in a wide array of colours like white, green, cream, yellowish-green, yellow, pink, brown and red. Along with that the flowers may contain markings of other shades. However Cymbidium orchids do not come in blue or black. Cymbidium flowers last for about ten weeks and have a thick, waxy texture. Each Cymbidium flower has five pointed petals. The Cymbidium orchids show very diverse color patterns which are different for every species.
Cymbidiums may be divided into two main groups on the basis of their size:
Standard Cymbidiums that have large flowers.
Miniature Cymbidiums that have small sized flowers.
The boat orchid is one of the most popular and desirable orchids in the world because of its magnificent flowers. Boat orchids make great houseplants, and are also very popular in corsages and floral arrangements.
Boat orchids have been cultivated for thousands of years, especially in China. They gained popularity in Europe during the Victorian era. The reason for its success is that it can survive during cold temperatures (as low as 7? C or 45? F). The Asian Cymbidium has been called the King of Fragrance by Confucius.
Boat orchids are extensively used as cut flowers. They add a touch of fantasy to any surrounding. The expected vase life of Cymbidiums is an average minimum of about 8 days. With their eye-catching blooms that seem to belong in a fairytale, boat orchids are the ideal choice for table centre pieces and bridal bouquets alike. Their fragrance is another factor that makes them the perfect choice to add to the ambience of any event.
Cymbidium Meaning
Orchids are the most highly coveted of all ornamental plants. This ancient flower is rich in symbolism. The delicate, exotic and graceful orchid has come to represent Luxury, Love, Beauty and Strength. They also convey the meanings “Refinement” and “Beautiful Lady”. Cymbidium orchid is the Chinese symbol for Many Children, Thoughtfulness, Maturity, or Charm.
Orchids have come to signify different meanings in different eras in time. During the Victorian era, the orchid was considered to be a symbol of Luxury, and to date this sense of Magnificence and Artful Splendor continues, the orchid thus becoming an icon of Rare and Delicate Beauty.
Orchid happens to be the 14th wedding anniversary flower. Cymbidiums also symbolise Virtue and Morality and in Asian cultures it is considered an honour to give or receive the Asian Cymbidium as a gift. As in ancient times, the Asian Cymbidium was considered to be A Gift of Respect and Friendship.
If the orchid is pink, it conveys Pure Affection, while the popular cattelya orchid represents Mature Charm.
Cymbidium Mythology
Cymbidiums are ancient plants that date back to the dinosaur age.
In ancient Greece, the orchid was associated with Virility and Greek women believed that if the father of their unborn child ate large, new orchid tubers, the baby would be a boy. Conversely if the mother ate small orchid tubers, a girl would be born.
