Cymbidium blooms

The Cymbidium, also known as the ‘boat’ orchid, gets its name from the Greek word for boat; ‘kymbe’. This refers to the base of the lip, which curves into a hollow shape. The Cymbidium became popular during the Victorian era when it was discovered they could survive colder temperatures better than most tropical plants. With their bright displays of colour, they quickly became a popular choice for patio and window box decoration.
The Cymbidium is the oldest cultivated orchid, and there is evidence that they were grown in China 2 500 years ago, around the time of Confucius.
Cymbidium hookerianum is considered a delicacy in Bhutan where it is traditionally cooked in a spicy curry or stew and called ‘olatshe’ or ‘olachoto’.