Gastrodia elata Seeds | Tian Ma
LATIN NAME: Gastrodia elata
COMMON NAME: Tian Ma, Gastrodia, Red Arrow Orchid
Plant Profile
Gastrodia elata, better known as Tian Ma, is a herb in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), native to damp, shady forests of eastern Asia, while it is known for its strange life. Tian ma is one of strangest of plants of forest, and it is an orchid that has given up green leaf. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the orchid family, Gastrodia elata draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Tian ma has a real and distinguished place in the research. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Tian Ma for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, tian ma is a remarkable plant of shaded garden. Its dense, upright clusters of small, brownish-yellow, hooded flowers feed many insects of forest floor, and its fine, upright, brownish stems give a remarkable presence to shaded, damp garden. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Gastrodia tuber, Tian Ma, is a leafless orchid that lives on fungi and is a premier Chinese herb for dizziness, headaches and wind conditions; its gastrodin is a standardized, studied neuroactive compound.
Growing from Seed
Tian Ma grows readily from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Tian Ma, Gastrodia, Red Arrow Orchid is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
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