at right: Bletilla striata

Bletilla Reichenb. f. 1852-3

Pronounced bleh-TEE-ya

SUBFAMILY Epidendroideae
TRIBE Arethuseae
SUBTRIBE Bletinae

A hardy, terrestrial genus of less than ten species, spread throughout Asia, the Indian subcontinent,and the northern Pacific Islands, including Japan and its protectorates.

Many plants have broad, grasslike foliage that is stiffly pleated. Underground pseudobulbs (corms) give rise to upright stems that bear plicate leaves and upright inflorescences. The flowers are showy, often resembling miniature Cattleya type flowers, and are fairly long lived. Bletilla striata is widely cultivated as a garden plant.

Species denoted with '†' have images available with the description.

invalid Bletilla taxa:

chinensis = Arethusa chinensis

florida = Bletia florida

formosana = Bletia formosana

gebinae = striata possibly, or may be a valid species

hyacintha = striata

kotoensis = Bletia kotoensis