✵This article documents the herb Dendrobium, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and botanical sources—five plant species: (1) Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe, (2) Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. var. oculatum Hook., (3) Dendrobium chrysanthum Wall. ex Lindl., (4) Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl., (5) Dendrobium nobile Lindl. It provides a detailed description of the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these five species; the characteristics of the herb Herba Dendrobii; its pharmacological actions; medicinal efficacy; and administration guidelines.
Herba Dendrobii (Dendrobium)
Pinyin Name: Shí Hú
English Name: Dendrobium
Latin Name:Herba Dendrobii Properties and Flavor: Slightly cold; sweet
Brief Introduction:Herba Dendrobii is the fresh or dried stem of Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe, Dendrobium chrysanthum Wall. ex Lindl., Dendrobium fimbriatum var. oculatum Hook., Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl., or Dendrobium nobile Lindl. It replenishes stomach Yin, clears heat, and promotes fluid production. It is used to treat chronic febrile diseases with thirst and dry mouth; stomach Yin deficiency manifesting as epigastric discomfort and pain; and visual impairment in cases of cataracts. The herb is commonly known as Herba Dendrobii, Dendrobium, or Shí Hú.
Botanical Source: Classical herbal works and authoritative materia medica define Herba Dendrobii (Dendrobium) as the fresh or dried stem of the following plant species: (1) Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe, (2) Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. var. oculatum Hook., (3) Dendrobium chrysanthum Wall. ex Lindl., (4) Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl., (5) Dendrobium nobile Lindl. These are perennial epiphytes belonging to the genus Dendrobium Sw., family Orchidaceae (orchid family), order Asparagales.
According to the latest official herbal compendia, Herba Dendrobii is defined as the fresh or dried stem of: (5) Dendrobium nobile Lindl., (4) Dendrobium huoshanense C. Z. Tang et S. J. Cheng (recognized in the Dictionary of Chinese Traditional Medicine as conspecific with Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl.), (6) Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl., (2) Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook.
(6) Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. is an endangered and protected species and is generally not recommended for clinical use. (2) Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. and (4) Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl. are also protected species. The other five traditionally recognized species are described below:
(1) Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe.
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Měi Huā Shí Hú ("Orchid with Beautiful Flowers"), Fěn Huā Shí Hú ("Orchid with Pink Flowers"), or Huán Cǎo Shí Hú, this perennial epiphyte is also referred to as "Herba Dendrobii Loddigesii." The stem is cylindrical, 10–45 cm tall and 2–7 mm in diameter, slightly tapering at the base. Leaves are chartaceous (papery), oblong-lanceolate or ligulate, 4–6 cm long and 1.2–1.8 cm wide, with an acute, slightly falcate apex; they are sessile. Leaf sheaths loosely envelop the stem, with an open sheath mouth.
Flowers are solitary and pale rose in color. Bracts are small. Median sepals are ovate-oblong, 1.7–1.9 cm long and ~6 mm wide, with an obtuse apex; lateral sepals are longer but narrower than median sepals, with an acute apex. The calyx tube is short and blunt. Petals are elliptic, broad, approximately equal in length to the median sepals, with a blunt apex and slightly toothed margins. The labellum is suborbicular, labium is concave, and pubescent; three longitudinal ridges extend from the base to the apex; the margin is fringelike (penicillate). The gynostemium (gynandrium) is short. Flowering occurs from April to May.
Ecological Environment: This species grows epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks in forests. It thrives in warm, humid, semi-shaded environments with annual precipitation exceeding 1,000 mm, air humidity above 80%, and a mean January temperature above 8 °C (46.4 °F). Growth is optimal in subtropical montane forests. Soil fertility requirements are low; it grows wild on loose, thick tree bark or trunks, and occasionally in rock crevices.
Characteristics of the Herb: The stems are slender and cylindrical, often curved or coiled into clumps or bundles. Length ranges from 15–35 cm (sometimes 11–40 cm); diameter is 0.1–0.3 cm; internode length is 1–2 cm (sometimes 0.4–2.3 cm). The surface is golden-yellow, glossy, and marked with fine longitudinal striations. The texture is soft, pliable, and succulent; the fracture surface is relatively smooth. The herb is odorless, tastes bitter, and exhibits mucilaginous (glutinous) properties.
(2) Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. var. oculatum Hook.
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Mǎ Biān Shí Hú ("Horsewhip-shaped Dendrobium") or Liú Sū Shí Hú ("Tasselled Dendrobium"), this perennial epiphyte has an upright, subcylindrical stem—sometimes fusiform above the base—that gradually tapers upward. It typically reaches 60 cm in height and 2–20 mm in diameter, with grooves on the surface. Leaves are arranged in two rows, spreading nearly horizontally; they are oblong or elliptic, 8–15.5 cm long and 2–3.6 cm wide, with an acute apex.
During anthesis (flowering period), the plant is aphyllous (leafless). Racemes are pendulous, ~15 cm long, usually bearing 6–12 flowers. The inflorescence axis is slender and slightly zigzag. Phyllaries (involucral bracts) are sheath-shaped and membranous, ~5 mm long. Flower bracts are small, ~3 mm long. Flowers are yellow. Sepals are oblong, ~1.8 cm long and ~8 mm wide, with a blunt, entire apex. The calyx tube is orbicular, ~3 mm long. Petals resemble sepals in shape and length but are broader, with a blunt apex and erose (premorse) margins. The labellum is suborbicular, equal in length to the sepals, with short claws; the upper surface of labium is densely pubescent; near the base lies a reniform purple blotch; the margin is fringelike. Flowering occurs from April to May.
Ecological Environment: This species grows epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks in valleys.
Characteristics of the Herb: The stems are long-conical, occasionally branched in the upper portion, 30–150 cm long and 2–8 mm in diameter, with internodes 2–4.5 cm long. The surface is brownish-yellow and bears 8–9 deep longitudinal grooves. The texture is loose, and the fracture surface is fibrous. The herb is nearly odorless and tastes slightly bitter. Commercial specimens are commonly cut into segments 1.5–3 cm in length; the cross-section is grayish-white.
(3) Dendrobium chrysanthum Wall. ex Lindl.
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Huáng Cǎo Shí Hú or Shù Huā Shí Hú, this perennial epiphyte has a cylindrical stem, 50–200 cm tall and 5–15 mm in diameter. The upper portion is slightly curved; internodes measure 3–4 cm. Leaves are thinly chartaceous (papery), lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, with an acuminate apex. Leaf sheaths are membranous and often develop scaly spots upon drying; the sheath mouth is open and cup-shaped (cyathiform).
During anthesis, the plant is aphyllous. Umbels are subsessile and bear 2–4 (occasionally 6) flowers. Flower bracts are small and membranous. Flowers are yellow and slightly succulent. Median sepals are oblong, 1.5–1.8 cm long and ~1 cm wide, with an obtuse apex. Lateral sepals are falcate and slightly longer than the median sepals. The calyx tube is short-conical. Petals are obovate-oblong, distinctly broader than the sepals, with dentate margins near the apex. The labellum is transversely oblong; both surfaces are densely tomentose. The lip plate bears two blood-purple circular patches and two longitudinal pleats extending from the base to the mid-portion; the margin is fringed with short cilia. Flowering occurs from May to September.
Ecological Environment: This species grows epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks.
Characteristics of the Herb: The stems are slender and cylindrical, irregularly curved in the middle and upper portions, 23–120 cm long and 2–5 mm in diameter, with internodes 2–3.5 cm long. The surface is golden-yellow or brownish-yellow, marked by longitudinal striations. The herb is lightweight; the texture is succulent and brittle, fracturing easily into a slightly fibrous surface. It is nearly odorless, tastes slightly bitter, and is mucilaginous (glutinous) when chewed.
(4) Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl.
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Tiě Pí Shí Hú, Hēi Jié Cǎo, or Tiě Pí Lán, this species is also referred to in classical texts as Huò Shān Shí Hú or Dendrobium huoshanense C. Z. Tang et S. J. Cheng—recognized as conspecific with Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl. A perennial epiphytic herb, it forms dense tufts (cespitose) of cylindrical stems up to 35 cm tall and 2–4 mm in diameter. Upper stem nodes may produce adventitious roots; dried stems turn steel-gray (caesious). Leaves are chartaceous (papery), oblong-lanceolate, 4–7 cm long and 1–1.5 cm wide, with a slightly falcate apex; margins and midribs are mauve (lilac). Leaf sheaths bear purple patches; the sheath mouth is open and often exhibits a circinal gap around the leaf base.
Racemes often grow at the upper end of aphyllous stems (afoliate stems), 2–4 cm long, reflexed and curved, often bearing 3 flowers; peduncles are about 1 cm long; flower bracts are scarious (scariose), whitish, 5–7 mm long; tepals are yellowish-green, about 1.8 cm long; middle sepals resemble petals, oblong-lanceolate, about 4 mm wide, with acute apices; lateral sepals are falcate-triangular, with bases about 1 cm wide and acute apices; the calyx sac is conspicuous; the labellum is ovate-lanceolate, reflexed, slightly shorter than the sepals, undivided or inconspicuously 3-lobed, with an involute (inwardly rolled) margin at the base bearing one callosum, acute at the apex, and undulate along the margin; the labellum (lip) is covered with papillate hairs and bears pruinose specks and spots. Its flowering period is from April to June.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows epiphytically on trees.
Characteristics of the Herb: Leaf sheaths are often shorter than the internode length, bearing circumferential gaps; the herb has a mild taste or is slightly bitter.
(5) Dendrobium nobile Lindl.
Botanical Description: Dendrobium nobile Lindl., commonly known as Jīn Chāi Shí Hú, is a perennial epiphytic herb. Stems are caespitose (tufted), erect, up to 30–50 cm tall and 1–1.3 cm in diameter, yellowish-green, nodose, with internodes 2.5–3.5 cm long. Leaves are subcoriaceous, usually 3–5 per stem apex; leaf blades are oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 6–12 cm long and 1.5–2.5 cm wide, with a bilobed apex; leaf veins are parallel, typically 9 in number; leaf sheaths tightly clasping the stem between nodes, 1.5–2.7 cm long; sessile.
Racemes emerge from stem nodes and usually bear 2–3 flowers; flower bracts are ovate (egg-shaped), small, and membranous; flowers are large and pendulous, 6–8 cm in diameter; the calyx and petals are white, with pale red tips; there are three sepals: the median sepal is free, while the lateral sepals are obliquely attached to the gynostemium foot, oblong, 3.5–4.5 cm long and 1.2–1.5 cm wide; petals are ovate-oblong or elliptic, nearly equal in length to the sepals, 2.1–2.5 cm wide; the labellum is subovate, inserted anterior to the gynostemium foot, 4–4.5 cm long and 3–3.5 cm wide, with a rounded apex, short clawed base, and the lower half reflexed upward to surround the gynostemium; both surfaces are pubescent, with a patch of dark purple spots near the base; the gynostemium is 6–7 mm long, and about 12 mm including the foot; stamens are conical; anthers are bilocular, with four pollinia; ceraceous. Capsule fruit. Its flowering period is from May to June.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows epiphytically on alpine rocks or tree trunks in forests.
Characteristics of the Herb: The middle and lower part of the stem is subcylindrical and slightly zigzag-curved upward; length is 20–40 cm (or 18–42 cm); diameter is 0.4–0.6 cm, widening to 0.4–1 cm at the middle; internode length is 1.5–6 cm. The surface is golden or greenish-yellow, with deep longitudinal grooves and striations; nodes are slightly enlarged, brown, and often bear residual taupe-colored leaf sheaths. The texture is light and crisp; the fracture surface is spongy (unconsolidated). The herb has a faint odor and a bitter taste.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Analgesic activity; (2) Antipyretic effects; (3) Modulation (excitation or inhibition) of intestinal motility; (4) Hypotensive effects; (5) Antibacterial activity: aqueous decoction of Dendrobium nobile can delay cytopathic effects induced by ECHO11, among others.
Medicinal Efficacy: Tonifies the stomach and promotes fluid production, nourishes Yin and clears heat, moistens the lungs and tonifies the kidneys, improves vision and strengthens the lumbar region. Indicated for: fluid depletion due to febrile disease; dry mouth and polydipsia; stomach Yin deficiency; epigastric pain and retching; poor appetite and nausea; lung dryness with dry cough; persistent low-grade fever after illness; hyperactivity of fire due to Yin deficiency; bone-steaming fever and consumptive fever; Yin deficiency-induced visual impairment (blurred or dim vision); weakness and soreness of the waist and knees; flaccidity of muscles, bones, and tendons.
Administration of Herba Dendrobii (Shí Hú):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Herba Dendrobii (Shí Hú)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 6–12 grams dried herb; fresh herb: 15–30 grams; (2) Internally: water decoction (prolonged decoction), 2–4 qián (≈6–12 grams) dried herb; fresh herb: 0.5–1 liang (≈15–30 grams); also prepared as ointments, pills, or powders. (3) Internally: water decoction, 6–15 grams dried herb; double the dose for fresh herb; also prepared as ointments, pills, or powders. Fresh herb exhibits stronger heat-clearing and fluid-generating effects, making it preferable for heat-induced fluid injury; dried herb is more suitable for stomach deficiency and Yin injury secondary to heat.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Herba Dendrobii should not be combined with Calcitum Gypsum Rubrum, Croton Tiglium Seed, Bombyx Batryticatus, or Omphalia.
✵This article documents the herb Dendrobium, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and botanical sources—five plant species: (1) Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe, (2) Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. var. oculatum Hook., (3) Dendrobium chrysanthum Wall. ex Lindl., (4) Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl., (5) Dendrobium nobile Lindl. It provides a detailed description of the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these five species; the characteristics of the herb Herba Dendrobii; its pharmacological actions; medicinal efficacy; and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Shí Hú
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Měi Huā Shí Hú ("Orchid with Beautiful Flowers"), Fěn Huā Shí Hú ("Orchid with Pink Flowers"), or Huán Cǎo Shí Hú, this perennial epiphyte is also referred to as "Herba Dendrobii Loddigesii." The stem is cylindrical, 10–45 cm tall and 2–7 mm in diameter, slightly tapering at the base. Leaves are chartaceous (papery), oblong-lanceolate or ligulate, 4–6 cm long and 1.2–1.8 cm wide, with an acute, slightly falcate apex; they are sessile. Leaf sheaths loosely envelop the stem, with an open sheath mouth.
Ecological Environment: This species grows epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks in forests. It thrives in warm, humid, semi-shaded environments with annual precipitation exceeding 1,000 mm, air humidity above 80%, and a mean January temperature above 8 °C (46.4 °F). Growth is optimal in subtropical montane forests. Soil fertility requirements are low; it grows wild on loose, thick tree bark or trunks, and occasionally in rock crevices.
Characteristics of the Herb: The stems are slender and cylindrical, often curved or coiled into clumps or bundles. Length ranges from 15–35 cm (sometimes 11–40 cm); diameter is 0.1–0.3 cm; internode length is 1–2 cm (sometimes 0.4–2.3 cm). The surface is golden-yellow, glossy, and marked with fine longitudinal striations. The texture is soft, pliable, and succulent; the fracture surface is relatively smooth. The herb is odorless, tastes bitter, and exhibits mucilaginous (glutinous) properties.
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Mǎ Biān Shí Hú ("Horsewhip-shaped Dendrobium") or Liú Sū Shí Hú ("Tasselled Dendrobium"), this perennial epiphyte has an upright, subcylindrical stem—sometimes fusiform above the base—that gradually tapers upward. It typically reaches 60 cm in height and 2–20 mm in diameter, with grooves on the surface. Leaves are arranged in two rows, spreading nearly horizontally; they are oblong or elliptic, 8–15.5 cm long and 2–3.6 cm wide, with an acute apex.
During anthesis (flowering period), the plant is aphyllous (leafless). Racemes are pendulous, ~15 cm long, usually bearing 6–12 flowers. The inflorescence axis is slender and slightly zigzag. Phyllaries (involucral bracts) are sheath-shaped and membranous, ~5 mm long. Flower bracts are small, ~3 mm long. Flowers are yellow. Sepals are oblong, ~1.8 cm long and ~8 mm wide, with a blunt, entire apex. The calyx tube is orbicular, ~3 mm long. Petals resemble sepals in shape and length but are broader, with a blunt apex and erose (premorse) margins. The labellum is suborbicular, equal in length to the sepals, with short claws; the upper surface of labium is densely pubescent; near the base lies a reniform purple blotch; the margin is fringelike. Flowering occurs from April to May.
Ecological Environment: This species grows epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks in valleys.
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Huáng Cǎo Shí Hú or Shù Huā Shí Hú, this perennial epiphyte has a cylindrical stem, 50–200 cm tall and 5–15 mm in diameter. The upper portion is slightly curved; internodes measure 3–4 cm. Leaves are thinly chartaceous (papery), lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, with an acuminate apex. Leaf sheaths are membranous and often develop scaly spots upon drying; the sheath mouth is open and cup-shaped (cyathiform).
During anthesis, the plant is aphyllous. Umbels are subsessile and bear 2–4 (occasionally 6) flowers. Flower bracts are small and membranous. Flowers are yellow and slightly succulent. Median sepals are oblong, 1.5–1.8 cm long and ~1 cm wide, with an obtuse apex. Lateral sepals are falcate and slightly longer than the median sepals. The calyx tube is short-conical. Petals are obovate-oblong, distinctly broader than the sepals, with dentate margins near the apex. The labellum is transversely oblong; both surfaces are densely tomentose. The lip plate bears two blood-purple circular patches and two longitudinal pleats extending from the base to the mid-portion; the margin is fringed with short cilia. Flowering occurs from May to September.
Ecological Environment: This species grows epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks.
Botanical Description: Commonly known as Tiě Pí Shí Hú, Hēi Jié Cǎo, or Tiě Pí Lán, this species is also referred to in classical texts as Huò Shān Shí Hú or Dendrobium huoshanense C. Z. Tang et S. J. Cheng—recognized as conspecific with Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl. A perennial epiphytic herb, it forms dense tufts (cespitose) of cylindrical stems up to 35 cm tall and 2–4 mm in diameter. Upper stem nodes may produce adventitious roots; dried stems turn steel-gray (caesious). Leaves are chartaceous (papery), oblong-lanceolate, 4–7 cm long and 1–1.5 cm wide, with a slightly falcate apex; margins and midribs are mauve (lilac). Leaf sheaths bear purple patches; the sheath mouth is open and often exhibits a circinal gap around the leaf base.
Racemes often grow at the upper end of aphyllous stems (afoliate stems), 2–4 cm long, reflexed and curved, often bearing 3 flowers; peduncles are about 1 cm long; flower bracts are scarious (scariose), whitish, 5–7 mm long; tepals are yellowish-green, about 1.8 cm long; middle sepals resemble petals, oblong-lanceolate, about 4 mm wide, with acute apices; lateral sepals are falcate-triangular, with bases about 1 cm wide and acute apices; the calyx sac is conspicuous; the labellum is ovate-lanceolate, reflexed, slightly shorter than the sepals, undivided or inconspicuously 3-lobed, with an involute (inwardly rolled) margin at the base bearing one callosum, acute at the apex, and undulate along the margin; the labellum (lip) is covered with papillate hairs and bears pruinose specks and spots. Its flowering period is from April to June.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows epiphytically on trees.
Botanical Description: Dendrobium nobile Lindl., commonly known as Jīn Chāi Shí Hú, is a perennial epiphytic herb. Stems are caespitose (tufted), erect, up to 30–50 cm tall and 1–1.3 cm in diameter, yellowish-green, nodose, with internodes 2.5–3.5 cm long. Leaves are subcoriaceous, usually 3–5 per stem apex; leaf blades are oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 6–12 cm long and 1.5–2.5 cm wide, with a bilobed apex; leaf veins are parallel, typically 9 in number; leaf sheaths tightly clasping the stem between nodes, 1.5–2.7 cm long; sessile.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows epiphytically on alpine rocks or tree trunks in forests.
Characteristics of the Herb: The middle and lower part of the stem is subcylindrical and slightly zigzag-curved upward; length is 20–40 cm (or 18–42 cm); diameter is 0.4–0.6 cm, widening to 0.4–1 cm at the middle; internode length is 1.5–6 cm. The surface is golden or greenish-yellow, with deep longitudinal grooves and striations; nodes are slightly enlarged, brown, and often bear residual taupe-colored leaf sheaths. The texture is light and crisp; the fracture surface is spongy (unconsolidated). The herb has a faint odor and a bitter taste.
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