Medicinal Plants

Dendrobium crumenatum Sw.

Anggrek Merpati

Orchidaceae

Location in the garden Shaded Area
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Dendrobium crumenatum (Anggrek Merpati) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Dendrobium crumenatum (Anggrek Merpati) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Dendrobium crumenatum (Anggrek Merpati)

Summary

The pigeon orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) is a perennial orchid 60-90 cm tall, widely distributed from Sri Lanka to Indonesia, including Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Ambon. Besides being grown as an ornamental, its stem fiber is woven into baskets and crafts, and in Malaysia its flowers are believed to ward off evil spirits. Traditionally, this orchid is also used to treat boils, acne, and inflammation.

Agroecology

This plant lives in lowlands up to an elevation of 1,000 m above sea level. It is commonly found in humid areas in open forests, growing on trees (epiphytic) and occasionally on large rocks (lithophytic).
 

Morphology

  • Stem sympodial branching, slender, elongated, branched, with 1-2 nodes.
  • Leaves thick, green, with smooth margins, rounded tips, oblong-shaped, 5-8 x 1.5-2.5 cm in size, growing at each stem node.
  • Flowers white, small, shaped like a flying pigeon, 4 cm in diameter, fragrant.
  • Fruit spindle-shaped, widening toward the tip.

Cultivation

  • Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (by separating side shoots/offshoots).
  • Offshoot separation requires at least 2 large stems or 3-4 small stems, which are then attached to fern fiber or potted in a mix of fern chips/charcoal.

Chemical Content

Alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, polyphenols and flavonoids, cardiac glycosides.

Benefits

Treats boils, ear infections, acne, dry cough, inflammation, rheumatism; eliminates body and underarm odor; treats bronchitis and vaginal discharge.
 

Simplisia

Information not yet available.

Local Names

Anggrek bawang, Bunga angin.

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.

Traditional recipe Rheumatism from Anggrek Merpati

1. Rheumatism

  • Prepare 60 g of pigeon orchid and boil in 400 ml water for 15 minutes.
  • Let cool, then strain the mixture.
  • Drink twice a day regularly.
Traditional recipe Boils or Acne from Anggrek Merpati

2. Boils or Acne

  • Prepare a sufficient amount of pigeon orchid leaves.
  • Wash thoroughly under running water.
  • Mash into a paste.
  • Apply to the boil or acne.

Reference Sources

  1. Maanfaat.com. 10 Manfaat Anggrek Merpati untuk Kesehatan dan Pengobatan. https://manfaat.co.id/manfaat-anggrek-merpati15-09-2020.
  2. Medicinal Plants Database. http://medicinalplantsdatabase.com/portfolio/pigeon-orchid/ 15-09-2020.
  3. National Parks. Flora & Fauna. Dendrobium crumenatum Sw. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/1/9/1924 20-01-2021
  4. Pabkbs. New perspective of Dendrobium crumenatum orchid for antimicrobial activity againtsselected pathogenic bacteria. https://www.pakbs.org/pjbot/PDFs/46(2)/45.pdf  04-03-2021