Vanda tessellata

Scientific name: Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex G.Don

Family: Orchidaceae

Synonym: Vanda roxburghii R.Br.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Rasna.

Tribal name: Deli (Khumi), Sor-mok-lou (Khasia), Chai-key-pawn (Rakhaing).

English name: Checkered vanda, Vanda orchid.

Description of the plant: A medium to large sized, warm growing epiphytic orchid, with a climbing stem. Leaves are linear, narrow. Raceme usually longer than the leaves, 2-10 flowered, terete, pendulous. Flowers 5 cm across, bracteate, pedicellate. Lip 3-lobed, lateral lobes white, middle lobe twice as long, colour varying from purplish-blue to red, with white streaks or white with yellow streaks.

Plant parts used: Leaf, flower, root.

Ethnomedicinal uses: The leaf juice is used for the treatment of certain inflammatory conditions; it is also instilled into the ear as a remedy for otitis.

Paste prepared from roots of the orchid is applied to the affected area for the treatment of rheumatism.

Powdered roots and flowers are used in bronchitis, piles, and boils.

Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is applied to the body to bring down fever.

The roots of the plant are used in nervous problems, dysentery, dyspepsia, and fever.

Distribution: The species is widely distributed throughout the country except greater Chittagong, and Sylhet district.

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