503B-3-Gastrodia-sesamoides-fl-Neil-Blair-RBG.jpg

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
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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