What are the eight old types of orchids?

The "eight old kinds of orchids" are: Longzi, Jiyuan, Songmei, Wanzi, Wangzi, Longanmei, Xiaodamei and Heshenmei.

1. Dragon character

During the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty (1796-1820), the character dragon was discovered in the "Qianyan Dragon Veins" in Gaomiao Mountain, Yuyao, Zhejiang; It is shaped like the crown of Narcissus, so its surname is "Dragon", also known as "Yao Yise". Its flower color is fresh and green, and its flowers are dignified and gorgeous. Together with Song Mei, it is called the "Double Wall of National Orchid". It is the largest and most gorgeous flower among the "four kings" of spring orchids.

2. Jiyuan

At the end of the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1850), a wandering eminent monk excavated the flower. In the second year of Xianfeng (1852), Zhang Shenglin of Yuyao, Zhejiang Province obtained this flower. The confluence of the bases of the three outer petals gathers into a spherical surface, hence the name Jiyuan, also known as "Shiyuan" or "Old Shiyuan". Jiyuan grows vigorously, reproduces quickly, and has a healthy flower shape. It is a widely circulated treasure among the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Chunlan.

3. Song Mei

During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1736-1795), Song Jinxuan, a native of Shaoxing, Zhejiang, selected the flower. Because it was a standard plum flower, it was named Song Jin Xuanmei. Referred to as Song Mei.

Songmei is the "personality flower" with the most human spirit. It has been spread for two hundred years and has always been loved by people. Even the Japanese orchid community praised her as the first of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Chunlan.

4. Wanzi

During the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty (1862-1874), Wanzi Garden in Hangzhou, Zhejiang was first cultivated, so it was named "Wanzi". And because this flower was found on the bank of Yuan Lake in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, it is also known as "the first plum in Yuan Lake".

The petals are thick, waxy and dignified, and are popular among silkworms and moths. The lips are small and the flowers are dignified and elegant. It is praised by the orchid industry in Japan and is listed among the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Chunlan.

5. Wang Zi

During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1662-1722), Wang Keming was selected from Fenghua, Zhejiang, and named "Wang Zi" after the surname of the selector. Its breeding history ranks first among the eight old varieties of Chunlan. Its flowers are emerald green in color, regular in shape, rich in sinews, long-lasting and easy to bloom. It is a typical example of Narcissus petals among the eight old varieties of Chunlan.

6. Longan Plum

In the early years of the Republic of China, it was selected by Zhu Xiangbao of Shaoxing, Zhejiang. It is also known as "Sai Jinxuan", which means that it can compete with Song Mei.

Because the bracts are tightly wrapped around the petals, and the outer three petals have hook-like sharp edges, the petals need to be opened gently during the petal relaxation period to straighten the flower appearance. After flowering, it should be placed in a sunny place, otherwise it will be difficult to grow flowers.

7. Xiao Da Mei

During the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1821-1850), it was selected in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. According to legend, the two brothers Big Tiger and Little Tiger had a "fight" to compete for this flower. It went to the county government hall, so it was named after "Xiao Da Mei". Its lips are rounded and the tongue is dotted with light red spots. It is truly a top-grade spring orchid plum petal.

8. Heshen Plum

In the early years of the Republic of China (1912 was the first year of the Republic of China), it was produced in Yingge Mountain, Yuyao, Zhejiang, so it is also called "Yingge Plum". The bracts are rose red, the flower stems are light purple, the top section turns green, and the outer three petals have short legs, round heads, and tight edges. The roots are thin; the main petal has a beautiful posture and is "shade-shaped". The calyx on both sides stretches flatly to the left and right, making it appear energetic, and occasionally appears in a "flying shoulder" shape.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Dragon Character

Baidu Encyclopedia - Jiyuan

Baidu Encyclopedia - Song Mei

Baidu Encyclopedia - Chunlan Ten Thousand Characters

Baidu Encyclopedia - Longan Mei

Baidu Encyclopedia - Xiaoda Mei

Baidu Encyclopedia - Heshen Mei

Baidu Encyclopedia - Wangzi