Calanthe triplicata (Willemet) Ames
Summary
Anggrek bayi sedang tidur or Christmas orchid (Calanthe triplicata) is a terrestrial orchid 1-1.5 meters tall from the Orchidaceae family that originates from Oceania, Asia, and East Africa. In Taiwan, herbalists use its root to treat rheumatism to traumatic injuries including broken bones. In India, this orchid's root extract is traditionally used to treat diarrhea and toothache.
Agroecology
Anggrek bayi sedang tidur thrives in moist, humus-rich soil in tropical rainforests near rivers at elevations of 500 to 1,500 m asl. In the southern hemisphere this orchid plant generally flowers in December, hence also called the Christmas orchid. Suitable habitat for this plant grows at a light intensity of 44%, temperature of 24.5 °C, humidity of 79.5%, and soil pH of 6.0.
Morphology
- Rhizome underground giving rise to pseudobulbs usually closely spaced.
- Pseudobulb 3-8 cm long, 1.5-4 cm diameter.
- Leaves lanceolate, borne on the pseudobulb at ground level and then enlarging. Leaf blade about 25-90 x 6-11.5 cm, gradually tapering to the sheathing base. Longitudinal and parallel veins with about 6-9 veins more prominent than others.
- Flowers produced from the axils of the lower leaves in an upright raceme about 30-150 cm long. Flowers about 15-40 mm in diameter. Petiole length about 40-45 mm. Tepals about 18 x 9 mm, tip pointed. Labellum about 15 x 23 mm. Flowers white except for a yellow callus on the labellum.
- Fruit an obovoid to cylindrical capsule, about 4 cm long, splitting longitudinally but remaining intact at the base and tip.
- Seeds very small, winged.
Cultivation
This anggrek bayi sedang tidur has closely spaced pseudobulbs forming a clump. Propagation can be done by separating pseudobulbs during dormancy/when no new individuals appear.
Chemical Content
Phenol, alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, glycoside, and tannin.
Benefits
Treats rheumatism, back pain, traumatic injuries including broken bones, analgesic diarrhea, toothache, cavities, treats digestive disorders.
Local Names
Anggrek popocongan (West Java), Ahan abal (Ambon), Lemba utan (North Sumatra), Bunga tida lapis (Maluku).
Traditional Recipes
The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
1. Digestive disorders
- Wash anggrek bayi sedang tidur tuber until clean.
- Boil the tuber until boiling.
- Let stand until warm/cool.
- Strain, then drink to relieve digestive disorders.
2. Cavities
- Prepare anggrek bayi sedang tidur root and flower.
- Wash both ingredients until clean.
- Mash both ingredients.
- Apply to the decayed tooth.
Reference Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens. 2017. Plants of the World Online: Calanthe triplicata (Willemet) Ames. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:621074-1. 09-11-2021.
- Ng Yu Qin. Marina Gardens Drive: Christmas Orchid (Calanthe triplicata). https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/learn-with-us/explore-resources/whats-blooming/christmas-orchid-calanthe-triplicata.html. 09-11-2021.
- Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants. 2020. Calanthe triplicata (Willemet) Ames. https://apps.lucidcentral.org/rainforest/text/entities/calanthe_triplicata.htm. 09-11-2021.
- Mythili, K., C. U. Reddy, D. Chamundeeswari, & P. K. Manna. 2014. Determination of total phenol, alkaloid, flavonoid and tannin in different extracts of Calanthe triplicata: Research and reviews. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2(2): 40-44.
- Sancoyo. 2018. Anggrek Bayi Sedang Tidur (Calanthe triplicata). Pusat Konservasi Tumbuhan Kebun Raya-LIPI.
- Philipp. J. Sci., C. 2021. World Flora Online: Calanthe triplicata (Willemet) Ames. http://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000765650. 09-11-2021.