Eulophia hereroensis

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A terrestrial orchid. It is a herb with a bulb or corm. It can grow 25-55 cm high. The false bulbs can form a chain above or below the ground. There can be 7 leaves. They form a fan. They are 12-30 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowering stem is 30-50 cm tall. There are several loose flowers. They are green and yellow with some purple and red marks.

There are about 250 Eulophia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas with a marked dry period. It can be on rocky, sandy or loamy soils including areas that are seasonally waterlogged. It grows between 715-1,700 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The stems are eaten raw and in other food dishes. They are also roast and crush them. They can be stored. The root bulbs are used as a vegetable and in soups. They can be bitter so are mixed with other plants.

Edible parts

Root, stems

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Guts'iku, Kauguna, Mufondo, Mutondo, Tuo

Synonyms

Eulophia pillansii Bolus; Eulophia junodiana Kraenzl.; Eulophia undulata Rolfe;