Soldier Orchid: diminutive gem

 At less than 6 inches tall, the Soldier Orchid (Zeuxine strateumatica) often goes unnoticed.



Rank	Scientific Name and Common Name
Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass	Liliidae
Order	Orchidales
Family	Orchidaceae – Orchid family
Genus	Zeuxine Lindl. – zeuxine
Species	Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schltr. – soldier's orchid

Go Orchid link

Museum of Science and Industry link

 

 

In India and Pakistan it is used as a salep, which is a flour made from the tubers!  They, along with the ancients in Rome, considered a drink made with the salep to be a powerful aphrodisiac!  Our native Seminoles (the tribe, not the college football team) agreed.

 

 

 



Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schlechter Soldier's Orchid; Orchidaceae
Seminole Drug (Gynecological Aid)
Decoction of whole plant taken and used as a wash for barrenness.
Sturtevant, William 1954 The Mikasuki Seminole: Medical Beliefs and Practices. Yale University, PhD Thesis (p. 318)

Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schlechter Soldier's Orchid; Orchidaceae
Seminole Drug (Reproductive Aid)
Decoction of whole plant used as a wash for impotency.
Sturtevant, William 1954 The Mikasuki Seminole: Medical Beliefs and Practices. Yale University, PhD Thesis (



Hardly noticed on a lawn, this hardy terrestrial beauty is found in full sun, partial and full shade.  Be sure to check your lawn, garden and local roadsides!

These photos were taken with a recently acquired Vivitar Wide Angle/Macro converter.   Works great and under $15!