PlantFiles Pictures: Sagi-so (Crane Orchid) (Habenaria radiata), 1 by Lophophora

Lophophora wrote:
"Sagi-so" in Japanese means Crane-weed. The flowers are said to look like flying Japanese Cranes (Grus japonensis). These birds are considered auspicious (long-life, fertility, etc.) and so the orchid has acquired the same baggage. A reputation for being hard to grow has only enhanced the mystique, and unfortunately, because of this, thousands are poached from the few remaining natural sites lefted in this over-developed country. Soon to be extinct, like every other plant of any distinction here in Japan.

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Common name: Sagi-so (Crane Orchid)
Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Habenaria
Species radiata