Satyrium coriophoroides

A. Rich.

Orchidaceae Edible: Tuber, Root 11 iNaturalist observations

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Description

An orchid that grows in the ground. It grows 1 m high. It has long tubers 3-6 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The leafy stem has 3-5 leaves and the lower ones sheath the stem. The upper leaves are 6-15 cm long by 2-4.5 cm wide and they are sword shaped. The flowering stalk is 23 cm long. There are many white to red flowers.

Edible Uses

The tubers and roots are eaten.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in upland grassy slopes in West Africa.

Where It Grows

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Synonyms

Satyrium sacculatum (Rendle) Rolfeand others

References (3)

Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 4. Kew.
Nyomora, A. M. S., 2005, Distribution and Abundance of the Edible Orchids of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Tanz. J. Sci. Vol 31(1) p 47 (As Satyrium sacculatum)
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew