Owing to the occurrence of both hybridization and polyploidy, specific relationships within Dactylorhiza are complex. Accordingly, the taxonomy of the genus is problematic, and nomenclature largely remains open to debate[].

Common Name: Mash Orchid

General Information

Dactylorhiza hatagirea is a slender to robust herbaceous perennial plant growing from a tuberous rootstock; it grows around 30 - 90cm tall[, ].
The plant is extensively used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Amchi, and other alternative systems of medicine. It is very commonly harvested from the wild, both for local use as a food and a medicine, and also for trade - large quantities of the roots are harvested annually and traded internationally.
Dactylorhiza hatagirea is over-exploited for its tubers, which are valued for medicinal purposes and also used locally as a food. Reproductive constraints are well recognized in the species, vegetative propagation is very slow and seed germination is about 0.2-0.3%. Extensive harvesting and illegal trade is a serious concern for its survival. At most locations, the density of the species is poor. The species is also threatened by habitat loss, livestock grazing, deforestation, and climate change. The wild population of the species has decreased significantly and an at least 80% population decline is suspected since the late 1990's when trade in the species increased. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2021)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northern Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, most of China, Mongolia

Habitat

Grassy slopes, damp meadows and marshes in temperate and alpine regions; at elevations from 2,500 - 5,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

In the wild, habitats near the tree-line under Rhododendron campanulatum and Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis), mixed herbaceous meadows, areas having a greater then 25° slope, plus north and northeast aspects are most suitable for the plant's proliferation[].
Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid[].
Dactylorhiza species reproduce mainly and sometimes solely via seed production. Vegetative reproduction of many species is very low - in Dactylorhiza virides, for instance, it is almost
non-existent. Plants reach maturity and flower in one to several years - there is generally a high seed output and this enables Dactylorhiza species to recolonize habitats from which they have disappeared and to establish populations in new habitats[].

Edible Uses

The tubers are a source of salep[]. Salep is, a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder[, , ]. A starch-like substance, it has a sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell[]. Said to be very nutritious, it is made into a drink or can be added to cereals and used in making bread etc[, ]. One ounce of salep is said to be enough to sustain a person for a day[, ].

Medicinal

The tubers are viewed primarily as a nutritive tonic. The are used as astringent, demulcent and expectorant, and are eaten raw for their alleged aphrodisiac properties[]. They are used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, stomach aches, gastritis, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, coughs, fevers, hoarseness of voice, paralysis, nervous disorders and impotence. They are used as a food to build up strength during convalescence and also to correct malnutrition[, ].
Applied externally, the pounded tubers are used to treat cuts, wounds and burns, whilst the dried, powdered tubers are applied on wounds to stop the bleeding. A paste made with them is applied on fractures[, ].


In China, the entire plant is used as a cardiac stimulant and is said to benefit the kidneys,
stomach and spleen.It relieves thirst, improves appetite and is used to treat irregular menstruation, anaemia and dizzines[].

A leaf extract is used in the treatment of dysentery[].

The tubers contain several bioactive compounds including dactylorhins, dactyloses, glucosides, starch, and albumin. Secondary metabolites such as dactylorhins A - E, dactyloses A - B, and others isolated from the species exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, and immune-enhancing activities[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow, preferably as soon as it is ripe, in the greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed of this species is extremely simple, it has a minute embryo surrounded by a single layer of protective cells. It contains very little food reserves and depends upon a symbiotic relationship with a species of soil-dwelling fungus. The fungal hyphae invade the seed and enter the cells of the embryo. The orchid soon begins to digest the fungal tissue and this acts as a food supply for the plant until it is able to obtain nutrients from decaying material in the soil[]. It is best to use some of the soil that is growing around established plants in order to introduce the fungus, or to sow the seed around a plant of the same species and allow the seedlings to grow on until they are large enough to move.
Division in autumn. The plant is very intolerant of root disturbance, any moving or dividing should be attempted in the autumn, keep a large ball of soil around the plant[].
Division of the tubers as the flowers fade[]. This species produces a new tuber towards the end of its growing season. If this is removed from the plant as its flowers are fading, the shock to the plant can stimulate new tubers to be formed. The tuber should be treated as being dormant, whilst the remaining plant should be encouraged to continue in growth in order to give it time to produce new tubers[].
Division can also be carried out when the plant has a fully developed rosette of leaves but before it comes into flower[]. The entire new growth is removed from the old tuber from which it has arisen and is potted up, the cut being made towards the bottom of the stem but leaving one or two roots still attached to the old tuber. This can often be done without digging up the plant. The old tuber should develop one or two new growths, whilst the new rosette should continue in growth and flower normally[].