The Origins of Orchid Growing
For thousands of years in every continent people have been intrigued and obsessed with orchids. Their
beauty, perfume, and medicinal uses have been known since at least 372 B.C.
The Greek Philosopher Theophrastus named the plants "orchis." The dried roots were used
in Greece and Asia Minor as antidepressants, stimulants, and aphrodisiacs. A drink called
"salep" is still used today as an aphrodisiac in Turkey. Orchids are used for food and medicine in other
cultures as well, such as
Vanilla used by the ancient Aztecs, Gastrodia and Dendrobium used in China to treat
minor ailments, Oncidium for divination, and the African Ansellia used as an aphrodisiac.
Confucius (551-479 BC) wrote about Orchids in the I-Ching, praising their beauty and scent.
Orchids have been grown in China for at least 2500 years.| Ho-Ti Front Page | Amazonia | Anthuriums & World Exotica | Herb Room Dried Plant Material | Cultivation | Orchids | Complete Plant List & How to Order |
