Home > Herbs > Ludisia Discolor

jewel orchid

Ludisia discolor · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (29 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Jewel orchid, scientifically known as Ludisia discolor, is a captivating terrestrial plant prized for its stunning, velvety foliage. Unlike most orchids, it is grown primarily for its dark, patterned leaves rather than flowers. This resilient species adds dramatic texture and elegance to any indoor collection or shaded garden setting.

Family
Orchidaceae
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Leaves
Common names
Jewel Orchid
Scientific synonyms
Haemaria Discolor Var. Ordeana · Ludisia Discolor Var. Dawsoniana · 31 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Orquídeas Joya

German:

  • Haemaria discolor
  • Blutständel

French:

  • ludisia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Ludisia discolor

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Asparagales and the family Orchidaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Ludisia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Orchidaceae WCVP
Genus Ludisia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several specific regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan provinces. Its range also extends into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, it is documented to grow within the borders of Cambodia. Furthermore, the species is also native to the tropical landscapes of Laos.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the jewel orchid, is primarily characterized by its striking and ornamental leaves. These foliage elements are the most distinctive part of Ludisia discolor, featuring a deep velvety texture and a dark, almost black base color that is beautifully contrasted by prominent, contrasting veins in shades of red or pink. While the plant may occasionally produce small, inconspicuous flowers, it is the lush and patterned arrangement of the leaves that provides its primary aesthetic value and serves as the main focus of its botanical interest.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
leaves Tropical life sciences research (and other 2 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ludisia discolor has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthocyanins, ABA, Antioxidant Activity, CHLOROPHYLL, Carbon.

Chemicals reported in Ludisia discolor
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Anthocyanins 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ABA 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant Activity 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
CHLOROPHYLL 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Carbon 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
GA 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
IAA 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Neohesperidin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Anthocyanins

  1. Tropical life sciences research
  2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

ABA

  1. Genes

Antioxidant Activity

  1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

CHLOROPHYLL

  1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Carbon

  1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoid

  1. Genes

Flavonoids

  1. Tropical life sciences research

GA

  1. Genes

IAA

  1. Genes

Neohesperidin

  1. Genes