Barlia, Giant orchid
Himantoglossum robertianum

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. It has 2 bulbs. It grows 25-80 cm tall. The leaves are narrowly oval and 25 cm long. They are in groups at the base of the stem. The flowers are reddish with purple spots.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, Sicily, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The bulb is washed and cut in pieces and roasted seasoned with salt and oil.

Edible parts

Bulb

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gadduzzi, Patatara, Patpatanak

Synonyms

Aceras longibracteata var. gallica (Lindl.) Rchb. f.; Aceras longibracteata var. sicula (Lindl.) Rchb. f.; Aceras longibracteatum Rchb.f.; Aceras longibracteatum var. gallica (Lindl.) Rchb.f.; Aceras longibracteatum var. sicula (Lindl.) Rchb.f.; Barlia longibracteata (Rchb.f.) Parl.; Barlia longibracteata var. gallica (Lindl.) Rouy; Barlia longibracteata var. sicula (Lindl.) Rouy; Barlia robertiana (Loisel.) Greuter; Himantoglossum longibracteatum (Rchb.f.) Schltr.; Himantoglossum longibracteatum var. gallicum (Lindl.) Schltr.; Himantoglossum longibracteatum var. siculum (Lindl.) Schltr.; Himantoglossum robertianum f. candidum (Soó) F.M.Vázquez; Himantoglossum robertianum f. gallicum (Lindl.) F.M.Vázquez; Himantoglossum robertianum f. siculum (Lindl.) F.M.Vázquez; Loroglossum longibracteatum (Rchb.f.) Moris ex Ardoino; Orchis coriophora var. cassidea Nevski; Orchis foliosa Masson ex Ker Gawl. [Invalid]; Orchis fragrans Ten. [Illegitimate]; Orchis longibracteata Biv. [Illegitimate]; Orchis longibracteata var. gallica Lindl.; Orchis longibracteata var. sicula Lindl.; Orchis robertiana Loisel.;