Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

Scientists have isolated several compounds from the stem and leaves, including dendrobine, dendroxine, dendrin and other alkaloids. Phenanthrenes from Dendrobium nobile have shown anti-tumour activity in laboratory tests on cancer cells. Sesquiterpene glycosides isolated from the stem affect lymphocyte cells, indicating possible immunomodulatory effects. Gigantol isolated from Dendrobium nobile has shown antimutagenic properties.
Plants of the World online, Kew Science link

It is valued in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to nourish and stimulate the stomach. A tea made from the stems of this and other Dendrobium species is taken for complaints such as fever, sunstroke and excessive perspiration.
Plants of the World online, Kew Science link

Other use

Dendrobium nobile is an immensely popular ornamental orchid; plant breeders have raised numerous cultivars with showy inflorescences.
Plants of the World online, Kew Science link

Geographical distribution

  • Asia-Temperate, China, China Southeast
  • Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, India
  • Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, Nepal
  • Asia-Tropical, Indo-China, Laos
  • Asia-Tropical, Indo-China, Myanmar
  • Asia-Tropical, Indo-China, Thailand
  • Asia-Tropical, Indo-China, Vietnam

Dendrobium nobile Lindl.

Family: ORCHIDACEAE
Genus: Dendrobium
Species: nobile Lindl.
Common names: Noble Dendrobium; Noble Rock Orchid
Distribution summary: Asia
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H1c - Heated greenhouse; warm temperate
Habitat: Deciduous forests 1,500-2,00m
Garden status: Not currently grown
Reason for growing: Medicinal


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