Gastrodia procera
Tall Potato Orchid
Robust saprophytic herb with a long thick tuber. Erect dark brown stem. Loose, pointed sheathing scales crowded at base.
Additional information
- SynonymGastrodia sp. aff. sesamoides, Gastrodia entomogama
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size25-100 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesAbsent.
- Flower colourCinnamon brown, creamy inside & on outer tips
- Flowering timeNovember to January
- FlowersSpike of 8-75 bell-shaped flowers to 20 mm long, erect at first, becoming drooping; lip 3-lobed with scalloped margins, 2 yellow raised ridges down the centre, merging and more raised towards the tip. Fruit pale brown.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist soil in moist forests and woodlands. Dappled 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. First collected in the Shire.
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 C & M Rowan, RetiredAussies ©; 2 Richard Hartlands ©; 3 Cathy Powers ©
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