Xiaoda Mei (小打梅)
A traditional famous cultivar of Cymbidium goeringii (Spring Orchid), representing the plum-blossom form (Mei Ban), and one of the "Old Eight" Classic Varieties of Chinese Spring Orchids.

Origin:
Selected in a Suzhou flower nursery during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1821–1850). Its name—literally "Minor Scuffle Plum"—originates from a physical altercation between buyers vying for this prized orchid.

Ornamental Value:

• Slender, upright flower stalks bearing blooms ≈3–4 cm in diameter.

• Exhibits delicate, elegant charm (小巧秀丽) in form.

• Harmoniously blends the dignity of plum-blossom petals with the lively "Liu Hai" lip.

• Celebrated as a potted specimen with "exquisite form and vibrant spirit" (形神俱佳).

Cultural Significance:

• Embodies Jiangnan (江南) orchid aesthetics as a quintessential Spring Orchid cultivar.

• Exemplifies the traditional Chinese orchid appraisal principle of "grading by petal form" (以瓣论品).

• Its naming lore serves as key historical evidence for studying Qing-dynasty orchid trade culture [1].

Scientific Value:

• Petal structure is a morphological reference standard for plum-blossom-type orchids.

• Key identification traits include:

  • "Glutinous" leaf texture (叶质糯性: thick, soft, waxy surface).

  • Distinct V-shaped groove along the midrib.