Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Uses (Ethnobotany)
Orchid rhizomes can be ground into a powder called salep and used as flour. The flowers can be used as a garnish, generally on salads. Some cultures consider orchid bulbs an aphrodisiac.
Plant Profile: Calanthe 'Kozu Spice'
Names
Kozu Spice Orchid, Orchid
Phonetic Spelling:
Genus:Calanthe
Species:
Family:Orchidaceae
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice', commonly referred to as the Kozu Spice orchid, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen orchid characterized by its striking two-toned flowers, which can be found in vibrant combinations of red and yellow, red and white, or pink and red. This cultivar belongs to the Orchidaceae family and is a primary hybrid, resulting from the cross between the seed parent Calanthe discolor and the pollen parent Calanthe izu-insularis. Developed by K. Karasawa in 1996, 'Kozu Spice' has a lineage that includes the now nearly extinct Calanthe izu-insularis, which is indigenous to Japan's Izu Islands, alongside the more abundant Calanthe discolor. The name Calanthe derives from the Greek words “Kalos,” meaning beautiful, and “Anthos,” meaning flower.
This orchid thrives as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 9b, and with adequate winter protection, it can endure conditions as low as zone 6. Its foliage may exhibit a slight fuzziness, a trait inherited from both parent species. In most winters, 'Kozu Spice' remains evergreen, although its leaves may appear tattered in the spring. It pairs well with hostas, trilliums, and ferns in moist, semi-shaded environments. For optimal growth, it is advisable to blend native soil with ample compost, peat, and sand to create a well-draining, airy mix that retains moisture. Fertilization is typically unnecessary unless a soil test suggests otherwise. When planting, spread the roots apart and position the crown level with or slightly below the soil surface, taking care not to bury it too deeply to avoid crown rot. Water thoroughly from April to September and apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch after the first frost. In regions colder than zone 7b, it may be feasible to leave the plant in the garden over winter by covering it with a thick layer of leaves, up to 10 inches deep. Outdoors, the plant favors shaded areas and can thrive in full shade.
Healthy specimens can grow into a clump measuring up to 12 inches, which can be divided and transplanted from winter through early spring. If grown in a container, it should be moved indoors to a cool area during winter to prevent freezing. During spring cleanup, it is best to allow any damaged leaves from winter to decompose naturally to protect against viruses. After flowering, deadheading is recommended to prevent seed formation, which can hinder future blooms. The pollination mechanisms of Calanthe remain largely unexplored, but studies suggest that C. izu-insularis and C. discolor may be pollinated by small solitary bees, such as sweat bees. Although these orchids do not produce nectar, they attract pollinators through deceptive strategies.
Regarding plant health, there are no known issues with diseases or insects. It is advisable to avoid removing old leaves, as this may increase the risk of viral infections; allowing them to die off naturally is the preferred approach.
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Feature Summary
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Image Gallery
Tags
#evergreen
#perennial bulb
#colorful
#spring flowers
#orchid
#flowering houseplant
#flowering
#container plants
Similar Plants
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Feature Summary
Attributes
Orchid rhizomes can be ground into a powder called salep and used as flour. The flowers can be used as a garnish, generally on salads. Some cultures consider orchid bulbs an aphrodisiac.
Izu Islands, Japan
Worldwide except for Antarctica
Attracts pollinators using deceptive mechanisms.
Perennial
Flowers
The 8"-12" flower stalk bears racemes of 10 to 25 richly bi-color, three lobed, 3/4" to 1 1/2 " lipped flowers that can be in combinations of red/white, yellow/red, or pink/red. The bottom row of the bloom has five petals of one color, and the center petals are a different color. The blooms resemble miniature nodding daffodils and have a pleasant clove-like aroma.
Pink
White
Gold/Yellow
Red/Burgundy
Raceme
Fragrant
Showy
Spring
7 - 20 petals/rays
Lipped
1-3 inches
Leaves
In spring, 2-4 leaves emerge erect (similar to a lily) in clustered pairs that are sheathed, pleated, and leathery. Leaves are 8 to 11 inches long and 2 inches wide. In milder areas, leaves are evergreen, though in some areas, foliage may be tattered. Leaves may be solid green, or green with white speckles.
Broadleaf Evergreen
Green
Variegated
Simple
Sheath
Elliptical
Oblong
Lanceolate
Obovate
Entire
> 6 inches
Leathery
Showy
Good Cut
1-3 inches
Stem
Whole Plant Traits
Perennial
Broadleaf Evergreen
Arching
Erect
Medium
Medium
Medium
Cultural Conditions
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Good Drainage
Moist
12 inches-3 feet
Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont
7a
7b
8b
8a
9a
9b
High Organic Matter
Landscape
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Butterfly Garden
Pollinator Garden
Winter Garden
Cottage Garden
Asian Garden
Small groups
Specimen
Drought
Insect Pests
Diseases
Container
Woodland
Naturalized Area
Small Space
Houseplants
Pollinators
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Image Gallery
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Attributes
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Country Or Region Of Origin
Izu Islands, Japan
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Distribution
Worldwide except for Antarctica
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Wildlife Value
Attracts pollinators using deceptive mechanisms.
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Life Cycle
Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Recommended Propagation Strategy
Division
Grafting
Layering
Leaf Cutting
Root Cutting
Seed
Stem Cutting
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Flowers
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Description
The 8"-12" flower stalk bears racemes of 10 to 25 richly bi-color, three lobed, 3/4" to 1 1/2 " lipped flowers that can be in combinations of red/white, yellow/red, or pink/red. The bottom row of the bloom has five petals of one color, and the center petals are a different color. The blooms resemble miniature nodding daffodils and have a pleasant clove-like aroma.
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Pink
Red/Burgundy
White
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Inflorescence
Catkin
Corymb
Cyme
Head
Insignificant
Panicle
Raceme
Solitary
Spadix
Spike
Umbel
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Value To Gardener
Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Bloom Time
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Petals
2-3 rays/petals
4-5 petals/rays
6 petals/rays
7 - 20 petals/rays
asymmetrical petals
Bracts
Colored Sepals
fused petals
more than 20 petals/rays
Tepals
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Shape
Bell
Cross
Crown
Cup
Dome
Funnel
Irregular
Lipped
Radial
Saucer
Star
Trumpet
Tubular
Urn
Wheel
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Flower Size
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
< 1 inch
> 6 inches
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Leaves
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Description
In spring, 2-4 leaves emerge erect (similar to a lily) in clustered pairs that are sheathed, pleated, and leathery. Leaves are 8 to 11 inches long and 2 inches wide. In milder areas, leaves are evergreen, though in some areas, foliage may be tattered. Leaves may be solid green, or green with white speckles.
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Color
Green
Variegated
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Type
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Fronds
Needles
Sheath
Simple
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Shape
Acicular
Auriculate
Cordate
Cuneate
Deltoid
Elliptical
Filiform
Lanceolate
Linear
Oblanceolate
Oblong
Obovate
Obtuse
Orbicular
Ovate
Palmasect
Palmatifid
Peltate
Pinnatifid
Pinnatisect
Reniform
Rhomboidal
Spatulate
Subcordate
Subulate
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Margin
Crenate
Crenulate
Dentate
Denticulate
Doubly Crenate
Doubly Dentate
Doubly Serrate
Entire
Lobed
Serrate
Sinuate
Undulate
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Hairs Present
No
Yes
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Length
< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Feel
Fleshy
Glossy
Leathery
Papery
Prickly
Rough
Rubbery
Slippery
Smooth
Soft
Velvety
Waxy
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Value To Gardener
Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long-lasting
Showy
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Leaf Width
< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Stem
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Stem Description
flowering stems
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Stem Color
Green
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Stem Is Aromatic
No
Yes
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Whole Plant Traits
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Plant Type
Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Habit/Form
Arching
Ascending
Broad
Cascading
Climbing
Clumping
Columnar
Conical
Creeping
Dense
Erect
Horizontal
Irregular
Mounding
Multi-stemmed
Multi-trunked
Open
Oval
Prostrate
Pyramidal
Rounded
Spreading
Vase
Weeping
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Growth Rate
Slow
Medium
Rapid
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Maintenance
Low
Medium
High
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Texture
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Cultural Conditions
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Alkaline (>8.0)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Soil Drainage
Frequent Standing Water
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasional Flooding
Occasionally Dry
Occasionally Wet
Very Dry
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Available Space To Plant
12 inches-3 feet
12-24 feet
24-60 feet
3 feet-6 feet
6-feet-12 feet
Less than 12 inches
more than 60 feet
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': NC Region
Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
7a
7b
8a
8b
9a
9b
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Soil Texture
Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Shallow Rocky
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice' Landscape
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Landscape Theme
Asian Garden
Butterfly Garden
Children's Garden
Cottage Garden
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Edible Garden
English Garden
Fairy Garden
Garden for the Blind
Native Garden
Nighttime Garden
Pollinator Garden
Rain Garden
Rock Garden
Shade Garden
Water Garden
Winter Garden
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Design Feature
Accent
Barrier
Border
Flowering Tree
Foundation Planting
Hedge
Mass Planting
Screen/Privacy
Security
Shade Tree
Small groups
Small Tree
Specimen
Street Tree
Understory Tree
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Resistance To Challenges
Black Walnut
Compaction
Deer
Diseases
Drought
Dry Soil
Erosion
Fire
Foot Traffic
Heat
Heavy Shade
Humidity
Insect Pests
Pollution
Poor Soil
Rabbits
Salt
Slugs
Squirrels
Storm damage
Urban Conditions
Voles
Wet Soil
Wind
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Landscape Location
Coastal
Container
Hanging Baskets
Houseplants
Lawn
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Near Septic
Patio
Pond
Pool/Hardscape
Recreational Play Area
Riparian
Rock Wall
Slope/Bank
Small Space
Vertical Spaces
Walkways
Woodland
Calanthe 'Kozu Spice': Attracts
Bats
Bees
Butterflies
Frogs
Hummingbirds
Moths
Pollinators
Predatory Insects
Reptiles
Small Mammals
Songbirds
Specialized Bees
