Cymbidium canaliculatum

R. Br.

Queensland tree orchid, Channel Leaf Cymbidium, Black Orchid, Cooktown Black Orchid

Orchidaceae Edible: Stems, Fruit, Bulbs, Pods, Seeds, Root 1,071 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cymbidium canaliculatum, commonly known as the channelled boat-lip orchid, tiger boat-lip orchid, native cymbidium or tiger orchid is a plant in the orchid family and is endemic to Australia. It is a clump-forming epiphyte with large, greyish green pseudobulbs, each with up to six curved, deeply channelled leaves and up to sixty fragrant, variably coloured flowers that often have spots and blotches and a white to cream-coloured labellum with red markings. This orchid usually grows in the forks or hollows of trees and is found from New South Wales to the northern parts of Western Australia.

Description

An orchid which grows attached to trees. It produces thick fleshy bulb like organs. These are 3-12 cm long. The leaves are thick and smooth. They are leathery and V shaped. They are 10-50 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The midrib is raised underneath. The flowers vary in colour. They can be green and yellow or red-brown. They are 1.5-4 cm long by 2-5 cm wide on stalks 20-40 cm long. These stalks come from the base of the bulb like structure. The fruit is a woody capsule. It is 4.5-5 cm long and about 1-1.7 cm wide. It splits along the edge when ripe. It contains many small seeds.

Edible Uses

The stems and bases of the leaves are eaten raw or cooked. Starch from the tubers is used to make sago.

Traditional Uses

The stems and bases of the leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The starch from the tubers is also used to make sago.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It mostly grows on Eucalypts in open woodland. It grows in tropical and warm temperate places. It can withstand drought. It grows in drier areas. It grows in rotten logs.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by division.

Other Uses

The starchy, sticky sap of the plant, was traditionally used by Australian Aborigines to mix with ochre to make a paint.

Notes

There are about 40-50 Cymbidium species and thousands of hybrids.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Nuts	90.4	—	—	1.5	—	1	—	—

Also Known As

Banggaldjun, Bungulyon, Channeled cymbidium, Dampy-ampy, Garrii, Inland tree orchid, Tiger orchid, Wild arrowroot

References (24)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 313
Brock, J., 1993, Native Plants of Northern Australia, Reed. p 133
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 194, 198
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 119
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1984, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 3. Lothian. p 150 (Photo)

Show all 24 references

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