Diuris aurea
Smith
Golden donkey orchid
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Summary
Source: WikipediaDiuris aurea, commonly known as the golden donkey orchid, is a species of orchid which is endemic to Australia, growing in New South Wales and Queensland. It has one or two leaves at the base and two to five golden-yellow to orange flowers with some darker markings.
Description
A ground orchid. It grows 15-50 cm high. The leaves are 10-25 cm long by 0.3-0.6 cm wide. There are 1-2 leaves per plant. They are narrow and have a channel along them. The flower stem is 15-50 cm tall and has 2-5 flowers. The flowers are 2.5-4.5 cm wide and a deep golden yellow. Tubers can be quite large.
Edible Uses
The tubers and roots are eaten.
Distribution
It grows in tropical to warm temperate locations. It occurs in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. It grows in open forest. It needs a rich, well-drained soil and a protected, shaded position. It is damaged by frost or drought.
Where It Grows
Australia*, Britain, Europe,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown by division.
Production
Plants are slow to increase vegetatively.
Notes
There are about 50 Diurus species. Others possibly used include Diurus chryseopsis and Diurus sulphurea. See Gilfedder, L et al, 2003, The Nature of the Midlands. Midlands Bushweb. PO Box 156 Longford, Tasmania. p 88
Synonyms
References (4)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 350
- Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 70
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1984, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 3. Lothian. p 305
- Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 39
