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Cryptostylis erecta

R. Br.

Bonnet orchid, Hooded orchid

Orchidaceae Edible: Stems, Rhizome, Root, Tuber 2,338 iNaturalist observations

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(c) David Lochlin, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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(c) Murray NZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Murray NZ

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(c) olly88, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by olly88

Cryptostylis erecta, commonly known as the bonnet orchid or tartan tongue orchid , is an orchid endemic to south eastern Australia. A small and common plant, it has dark green lance-shaped to egg-shaped leaves and up to twelve greenish flowers with a large, bonnet-like or hood-like, lilac-coloured labellum with a network of purple veins.

Description

A slender ground orchid. The tubers are 15 cm long by 4 mm wide. The leaves are erect and leathery. They are green. The leaves are 20 cm long by 30 mm wide. The flowers spike is about 50 cm long and has about 12 green flowers. They have purple spots.

Edible Uses

The stems, rhizomes, roots, and tubers are edible parts of the plant.

Distribution

It grows in temperate and subtropical places. It grows in moist, well drained soils. It needs a sheltered, shaded position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants are grown by division.

Also Known As

Tartan tongue orchid, Turban orchid

References (5)

  • Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 304
  • Caton, J.M. & Hardwick, R. J., 2016, Field Guide to Useful Native Plants from Temperate Australia. Harbour Publishing House. p 282
  • Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 29
  • Melzer, R. & Plumb, J., 2011, Plants of Capricornia. Belgamba, Rockhampton. p 494
  • Ryan, M. (Ed.), 2003, Wild Plants of Greater Brisbane. Queensland Museum. p 307

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