Gastrodia sesamoides
Cinnamon Bells, Potato Orchid
Slender saprophytic herb with a long thick tuber. Dark brown stem drooping at the tip until flowers open. Loose, pointed sheathing scales crowded at base.
Additional information
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size20-60 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesAbsent.
- Flower colourLight grey-brown, creamy inside & on outer tips
- Flowering timeOctober to December
- FlowersSpike of 4-23 scented, bell-shaped flowers to 15 mm long, erect at first, becoming drooping; narrow lip enclosed by the flower, 2 yellow raised ridges down the centre, merging but less raised towards the tip. Fruit brown.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to wet humus rich soils in wet forests. Partial shade.
- Garden useNever remove orchids from the bush. Saprophytes do not produce chlorophyll and live off decaying material. Cannot be cultivated.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 David Francis, NatureShare ©; 3 Neil Blair, © Royal Botanic Gardens Board; 4 Loraine Jansen, © Royal Botanic Gardens Board
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