Glossodia minor
R. Br.
Small wax lip orchid
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(c) Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaGlossodia minor, commonly known as small waxlip orchid, is a plant in the orchid family Orchidaceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is a ground orchid with a single very hairy leaf and one or two deep violet-blue flowers. It has been known as Glossodia minor since its description by the prolific Scottish botanist Robert Brown in 1810, but recent discoveries suggest its inclusion in the genus Caladenia. It is similar to Caladenia major (formerly Glossodia major) but is smaller in all its parts.
Description
A ground orchid. It grows 5-15 cm high. The leaf is 2-5 cm long by 0.5-1.2 cm wide. It is hairy and sword shaped. It is dull green. The flower stem is 5-15 cm long and has 1-2 flowers. The flowers are 2-3 cm across. They are mauve.
Edible Uses
The tubers and roots are edible.
Distribution
It grows in warm temperate locations. It grows in open forest and heathland.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seed scattered around adult plants.
Notes
There are about 3 Glossodia species.
References (3)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 500
- Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 195
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1992, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 4. Lothian. p 369
