CHINESE CYMBIDIUM ORCHID: A GENTLEMAN OF NOBLE VIRTUE

The cultivation of Chinese cymbidiums has a long history in China dating back to more than a thousand years ago. Chinese cymbidiums are commonly known as 'Lan' (兰) or 'Guo Lan' (国兰) in China.

Lan has a special appeal and meaning to the Chinese as it symbolizes integrity, modesty and nobility. Confucius praised Lan as the 'Gentleman of Noble Virtue' (君子之风) and 'King of Fragrance' (王者之香). The love and appreciation for Lan, also known as 'Lan Culture', has become an integral part of Chinese culture.

The book starts with the history of Lan and its association with Chinese culture and traditional customs, literature and the arts. This is followed by a description of the biology of Lan and cultivation practices of past and present. Finally, the prospects and future of Lan are presented and discussed.

Contents:

• History of Chinese Cymbidium:
  • Introduction
  • The Origin and Meaning of 'Lan'
  • Literature on Cultivation of Chinese Cymbidium
• Chinese Cymbidium and Chinese Culture:
  • The Lan Culture
  • Lan in Ancient Chinese Literature
  • Lan in Ancient Chinese Paintings and Calligraphies
  • Lan and Traditional Chinese Customs
  • Lan as a Cultural Symbol
• Five Common Chinese Cymbidium Species:
  • Cymbidium goeringii (春兰)
  • Cymbidium sinense (墨兰)
  • Cymbidium ensifolium (建兰)
  • Cymbidium faberi (蕙兰)
  • Cymbidium kanran (寒兰)
  • The Naming of Chinese Cymbidiums
• Biology of Chinese Cymbidium:
  • Structure and Characteristics of the Plant Parts
  • Flowers Art, Leaf Art, and Fragrance
  • Physiology and Biochemistry
• Cultivation of Chinese Cymbidium:
  • Past Horticultural Practices
  • Present Horticultural Practices
• Prospects for Chinese Cymbidium:
  • Commercial Cultivation of Chinese Cymbidium
  • Conservation of Chinese Cymbidium Species

Readership: Orchid biologists, hobbyists, and layman interested in the beauty, history, literature, art, biology, cultivation of Chinese Cymbidium and its association with Chinese culture and customs.

'I highly recommend this book to readers who wish to learn more about the Chinese Cymbidium orchid. The knowledge of Chinese Cymbidium orchid will enrich our appreciation for its beauty and the virtues it symbolizes into our real life.' - Professor Wong Sek ManDepartment of Biological SciencesNational University of Singapore