Monday 7 July 2014
Cymbidium or boat orchids, is a genus of 52 evergreen
species in the orchid family Orchidaceae. One of its first descriptions come
from Olof Swartz in 1799. The name is derived from the Greek word kumbos, meaning 'hole, cavity'. It
refers to the form of the base of the lip. The genus is abbreviated Cym in horticultural trade. The
species Cymbidium hookerianum
is considered a delicacy in Bhutan where it is traditionally cooked in a spicy
curry or stew and called "olatshe" or "olachoto". It is sometimes
confused with Cyclanthera pedata,
another local delicacy (the nomenclature has not been clearly established;
there are indications that "olatshe" usually refers to Cymb. and
"olachoto" to Cycl., although not consistently). Source
