Orthoceras strictum

R.Br.

Horned orchid, Bird's mouth orchid

Orchidaceae Edible: Tubers, Root 900 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Orthoceras strictum, commonly known as the bird's-mouth orchid or horned orchid, is a species of orchid native to eastern and southern Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. It has between two and five linear leaves and up to nine yellowish green, brownish or blackish flowers with two long, erect to spreading lateral sepals.

Description

A ground orchid. It grows 30-60 cm high. There are 2-5 leaves. These are narrow, like threads. They are 15-30 cm long by 2-3 mm wide. They occur in a tuft near the base. They are bright green and have a channel. The flowering stalk is 60 cm tall. It is stiff and bears 1-9 flowers. The flowers are 1 cm across and yellowish-green or dark brown.

Edible Uses

The tubers and roots are eaten.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in button grass and sedgy heathland. It is often on poorly drained soils. It can survive fires.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Pacific, Tasmania,

Production

In cultivation plants normally loose their vigour over 3-4 years then die.

Notes

There are about 4 Orthoceras species.

References (10)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 746
Cameron, M., (Ed.) 1981, A Guide to Flowers & Plants of Tasmania. Reed p 56
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 71
Dashorst, G.R.M., and Jessop, J.P., 1998, Plants of the Adelaide Plains & Hills. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium. p 206
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 116

Show all 10 references

Jones, D., Wapstra, H., Tonelli, P., and Harris S., 1999, The Orchids of Tasmania. Miegunyah Press, MUP, Victoria, Australia. p 176
Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 61
Low, T., 1992, Bush Tucker. Australia’s Wild Food Harvest. Angus & Robertson. p 122
Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 74
Woolmore, E et al, 2002, King Island Flora: A Field Guide. p 98