Thelymitra pauciflora
R. Br.
Slender sun orchid
(c) geoffboyes, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by geoffboyes
(c) mattward, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Tubers, Root
The tuber is edible.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in small colonies on the edge of the rainforest.
Australia*, Tasmania,
How to Identify
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.
Wikipedia
Source ↗Thelymitra 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.
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
