Bletilla striata is a perennial herb with a plant height of 30-60 cm. The tubers are fleshy, white, with 2 to 3 prongs in the shape of water chestnuts, with fibrous roots, a constant number of juxtaposed, and terminal racemes, often with 3 to 8 flowers. The flowers are lavender, with irregular petals. Capsule cylindrical, with 6 longitudinal edges, slightly pointed at both ends. Seeds small, numerous. The flowering period is April-May, and the fruiting period is July-August. There are two kinds of Bletilla striata, and there is another kind of yellow-white flower with strip-like lanceolate leaves, which is the narrow-leaf Bletilla striata. In purple safflower, there are large species and small species, among which the large tuber yield is higher.
Bletilla striata prefers warm, cool and humid environments, and is not cold-resistant. It requires fertile, loose and well-drained sandy soil or humus loam, cultivated on shady slopes or more shady and humid plots.
