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Geodorum densiflorum - (Lam.) Schltr.

Common Name Nodding Swamp Orchid
Family Orchidaceae
USDA hardiness 10-12
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dense forest, thickets, and clearings, on grassy slopes, and in pockets of soil on limestone at elevations from near sea level to 450 metres in Fiji[490 ].
Range E. Asia - southern China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, the Pacific.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Tender Moist Soil Full sun
Geodorum densiflorum Nodding Swamp Orchid


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Geodorum densiflorum Nodding Swamp Orchid
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Summary

Geodorum densiflorum otherwise known as Nodding Swamp Orchid is a perennial orchid commonly found in East Asia. Its shoots are about 20-30cm long. It has pseudobulbs that are usually about 13-26mm n diameter. The leaves are oval in shape and are pleated along their length. The flowering stalk has 8-10 pink flowers. In Australia, it has been considered as an endangered species due to urbanization. The tuberous base is used to moisturize body parts and to relieve soreness. It also yields a glue-like substance with great tenacity used for cementing parts of musical instruments.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Geodorum densiflorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Arethusa glutinosa Blanco Cistella cernua (Willd.) Blume Cymbidium pictum R.Br. Dendrobium haenkeanu

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Gum

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Emollient  Poultice  Skin

The tuberous base is regarded as emollient when utilized as a poultice[345 ].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Adhesive  Cosmetic  Gum

Other Uses: A glue-like substance is obtained from the tuberous roots[46 ]. A very strong glue with great tenacity[46 ]. It is used for cementing parts of musical instruments such as guitars and mandolins[46 , 345 ]. The glue is prepared in different ways. The simplest method is to simply split the rhizomes and then rub the pulp on the surfaces to be glued[579 ]. Alternatively, when the rhizomes are first cooked and then finely grated, they are said to have great tenacity[345 , 579 ]. The water extraction of the plant gives a gum which is separated by precipitation with alcohol. This gum has exceptional strength and lasting power[579 ].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A tropical plant. It grows on lighter soils including sand. An orchid that has a fleshy rhizome. It has round false bulbs and several broad leaves.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Plants are grown from seeds.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

kula

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Lam.) Schltr.

Botanical References

1

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

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