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Useful Temperate Plants

Dactylorhiza hatagirea

(D.Don) Soó

Orchidaceae


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[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
].

+ Synonyms

Orchis hatagirea D.Don

Orchis latifolia indica Lindl.

Common Name: Mash Orchid

No Image.

General Information

Dactylorhiza hatagirea is a slender to robust herbaceous perennial plant growing from a tuberous rootstock; it grows around 30 - 90cm tall[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
].
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)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.

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[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
].

Properties

Conservation StatusEndangered
Edibility Rating *  *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *  *  *
HabitPerennial
Height0.60 m
Cultivation StatusOrnamental, 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[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
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[
230
Title
Hardy Orchids. Orchids for the Garden and Frost-free Greenhouse.
Publication
 
Author
Cribb. P. & Bailes. C.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1989
ISBN
0 7470 0416 1
Description
An excellent book looking at the orchids that can be grown outdoors in temperate climates and giving lots of information on how to grow them. Very lttle information on their uses.
].
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[
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
].

Edible Uses

The tubers are a source of salep[
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
]. Salep is, a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder[
2
Title
Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World.
Publication
 
Author
Hedrick. U. P.
Publisher
Dover Publications
Year
1972
ISBN
0-486-20459-6
Description
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.
,
105
Title
Tanaka's Cyclopedia of Edible Plants of the World.
Publication
 
Author
Tanaka. T. & Nakao S.
Publisher
Keigaku Publishing; Tokyo
Year
1976
ISBN
-
Description
The most comprehensive list of edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader.
,
177
Title
Plants for Human Consumption.
Publication
 
Author
Kunkel. G.
Publisher
Koeltz Scientific Books
Year
1984
ISBN
3874292169
Description
An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of Latin names with a brief list of edible parts.
]. A starch-like substance, it has a sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell[
4
Title
A Modern Herbal.
Publication
 
Author
Grieve.
Publisher
Penguin
Year
1984
ISBN
0-14-046-440-9
Description
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
]. Said to be very nutritious, it is made into a drink or can be added to cereals and used in making bread etc[
100
Title
Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide.
Publication
 
Author
Polunin. O.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1969
ISBN
0192176218
Description
An excellent and well illustrated pocket guide for those with very large pockets. Also gives some details on plant uses.
,
183
Title
Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Facciola. S.
Publisher
Kampong Publications
Year
1990
ISBN
0-9628087-0-9
Description
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
]. One ounce of salep is said to be enough to sustain a person for a day[
100
Title
Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide.
Publication
 
Author
Polunin. O.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1969
ISBN
0192176218
Description
An excellent and well illustrated pocket guide for those with very large pockets. Also gives some details on plant uses.
,
115
Title
The Useful Plants of Great Britain.
Publication
 
Author
Johnson. C. P.
Publisher
 
Year
 
ISBN
 
Description
Written about a hundred years ago, but still a very good guide to the useful plants of Britain.
].

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[
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
]. 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[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
].
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[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
].


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[
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
].

A leaf extract is used in the treatment of dysentery[
1866
Title
Medicinal Orchids of Asia
Publication
 
Author
Eng Soon Teoh
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24274-3
Publisher
Springer International Publishing Switzerland
Year
2016
ISBN
978-3-319-24272-9
Description
 
].

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[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

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[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. 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[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
].
Division of the tubers as the flowers fade[
230
Title
Hardy Orchids. Orchids for the Garden and Frost-free Greenhouse.
Publication
 
Author
Cribb. P. & Bailes. C.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1989
ISBN
0 7470 0416 1
Description
An excellent book looking at the orchids that can be grown outdoors in temperate climates and giving lots of information on how to grow them. Very lttle information on their uses.
]. 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[
230
Title
Hardy Orchids. Orchids for the Garden and Frost-free Greenhouse.
Publication
 
Author
Cribb. P. & Bailes. C.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1989
ISBN
0 7470 0416 1
Description
An excellent book looking at the orchids that can be grown outdoors in temperate climates and giving lots of information on how to grow them. Very lttle information on their uses.
].
Division can also be carried out when the plant has a fully developed rosette of leaves but before it comes into flower[
230
Title
Hardy Orchids. Orchids for the Garden and Frost-free Greenhouse.
Publication
 
Author
Cribb. P. & Bailes. C.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1989
ISBN
0 7470 0416 1
Description
An excellent book looking at the orchids that can be grown outdoors in temperate climates and giving lots of information on how to grow them. Very lttle information on their uses.
]. 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[
230
Title
Hardy Orchids. Orchids for the Garden and Frost-free Greenhouse.
Publication
 
Author
Cribb. P. & Bailes. C.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1989
ISBN
0 7470 0416 1
Description
An excellent book looking at the orchids that can be grown outdoors in temperate climates and giving lots of information on how to grow them. Very lttle information on their uses.
].
Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2024-12-13. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Dactylorhiza+hatagirea>

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