Butterfly Orchid: Its Beauty, Utility, and Therapeutic Values

I. Introduction to Butterfly Orchid

Butterfly orchid, a commonly seen ornamental plant belonging to the Orchidaceae family, is named so because its flowers resemble the beauty of butterflies. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it also possesses medicinal properties. It can improve air quality, resist radiation, and can even be used to make essential oils. When used for bathing, it can help relieve fatigue and promote beauty and skincare.

1. Ornamental Value

The primary function of butterfly orchid is for ornamental purposes. It comprises various species with distinct colors and shapes, making it a common sight in gardens and parks across the country. The existence of these orchids greatly enhances the beauty of our surroundings.

2. Air Quality Improvement

Butterfly orchid is renowned for its ability to absorb and decompose harmful gases like formaldehyde and benzene in the air. By releasing large amounts of oxygen, it significantly improves indoor air quality.

3. Radiation Resistance

This plant can absorb various radiations emitted by electronic devices such as computers, thus reducing the harmful effects of these radiations on our bodies. Therefore, it is advisable to place butterfly orchids near computers in our homes.

4. Beauty and Skincare

The petals of butterfly orchid can be used for bathing, helping to relieve physical and mental fatigue. Moreover, the lingering fragrance of the orchid on the skin after bathing can effectively eliminate body odor.

II. Original Form of Butterfly Orchid

Butterfly orchid is a perennial herbaceous plant with numerous clustered aerial roots that are flat and ribbed with numerous warty protuberances. The stem is short, measuring about 1-1.5cm in length. The leaves are clustered, oblong in shape, approximately 4cm in length and 2cm in width, with a short sheath at the base and distinct joints. The leaves fall off during flowering, leaving only 1-2 leaves remaining. The raceme is sometimes branched, reaching a length of 2-20cm, with sparse flowers. The bracts are ovate and small, while the pedicels are long and flattened. The flowers are pink or pale purple, with elliptical sepals measuring about 1-2cm in length. The petals are invertedly oblong and wedge-shaped, nearly as long as the sepals. The labellum is purple, deeply lobed, and nearly cruciform. The lateral lobes are oblong, while the central lobe is nearly invertedly ovate with a central fold and a callosity at the base. The flowering season is from May to June.

III. Therapeutic Effects

Butterfly orchid is known for its therapeutic effects, including relieving exterior symptoms, relaxing tendons and improving circulation, and relieving pain from bone injuries. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as colds and fever, headaches, rheumatic pain, bruises, and fractures.