noun
Bletilla striata; purple orchid
A terrestrial orchid species native to East Asia, known for its purple flowers. Often cultivated as an ornamental plant.
庭に紫蘭が咲いている。
Bletilla striata is blooming in the garden.
紫蘭は日陰でもよく育つ。
Bletilla striata grows well even in the shade.
The name 紫蘭 (しらん) literally means 'purple orchid'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is a Sino-Japanese word referring to the plant's flower color.