Thelymitra pauciflora
R. Br.
Slender sun orchid
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(c) mattward, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaThelymitra pauciflora, commonly called the slender sun orchid in Australia and maikaika or maika in New Zealand is a species of orchid in the family Orchidaceae. It is one of the most widespread and common orchid species in Australia, growing in all states except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and also in New Zealand including Chatham Island.
Description
An orchid. It grows 40-50 cm tall. It has a single furrowed leaf. This sheaths the base of the stem. The flower stems are slender and 20 cm long. The flowers are in a spike. The flowers are pink or blue and have 5 petals. The tubers are 3 cm long and 1 cm wide.
Edible Uses
The tuber is edible.
Traditional Uses
The tuber is edible but this would kill the plant. They contain calcium oxalate so should be cooked and possibly the cooking water changed.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
The tubers contain calcium oxalate and should be cooked with the cooking water changed. Harvesting tubers would kill the plant.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in small colonies on the edge of the rainforest.
Where It Grows
Australia*, Tasmania,
References (3)
- Caton, J.M. & Hardwick, R. J., 2016, Field Guide to Useful Native Plants from Temperate Australia. Harbour Publishing House. p 306
- Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 81
- Pearson, S. & A., 1992, Rainforest Plants of Eastern Australia. Kangaroo Press p 203
