Gastrodia, Genus, sesamoides, Species,
- Genus & species
cinnamon bells
southeastern Australia and New Zealand
Overview
Gastrodia sesamoides is a leafless, perennial terrestrial orchid that draws its nutrients from soil fungi rather than from photosynthesis. A single fleshy flowering stem 8-39 inches (20-100 cm) tall emerges in late spring, pale brown to reddish-brown and without any green leaves. The stem carries 10-40 nodding, bell-shaped flowers, each 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long, brown to fawn outside and paler within, with a cinnamon-like scent. Below ground the plant produces sausage-shaped tubers 1.2-3 inches (3-8 cm) long. After flowering the stem lengthens and ripens cylindrical capsules that release dust-like seed. The plant is visible only when flowering and stays dormant underground for the rest of the year. It depends on the presence of specific Armillaria and other soil fungi, which makes it difficult to cultivate or transplant.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, including Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, and also New Zealand. It grows in moist eucalypt forest and woodland, in deep leaf litter and decaying organic matter, from near sea level to 3,900 feet (1,200 m).Suggested Uses
Found in conservation areas and bushland remnants rather than cultivated plantings. It is studied for its mycoheterotrophic biology and marks undisturbed forest litter. It is not suited to garden cultivation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'3"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
brown to fawnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 2 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight