Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal orchids in Yunnan

Over 750 species of orchids have been recorded in Yunnan, which occupies 61% of China's orchid flora. According to our ethnobotanical surveys, 122 species have been used as ethnomedicinal plants by 25 ethnic groups in Yunnan. The most popular genera used by the indigenous people include Dendrobium, Gastrodia, Bletilla, Gymnadenia, and Spiranthes. They are sold in local markets, and used by the herbal doctors or healers as well. Some useful traditional knowledge of medicinal orchids had been recorded and inventoried. Some cases like Arundina graminifolia, an essential medicinal herb among the tropical Dai ethnic communities for detoxification purpose, are provided. Three species, Dendrobium catenatum, Gastrodia elata, and Anoectochilus roxburghii, have been regarded as the most important or potential species for pharmaceutical development and health enterprise. All orchids are listed in CITES I or II, and should be conserved carefully. The conservation and development strategies are proposed in the present paper.