Eulophia hians

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows in the soil. It grows 25-30 cm tall. It has an underground stem or rhizome. The leaves are simple and at the base. They are narrowly sword shaped. There are 3-18 flowers in a loose arrangement in stalks 15-45 cm long. The flower petals are pale red or purple. The fruit is an oblong capsule.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in grassland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten as a snack.

The tubers are eaten by children.

Edible parts

Tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mametsana

Synonyms

Eulophia clavicornis Lindl.; Eulophia emerginata Lindl.; Eulophia obcordata Rolfe; Eulophia violacea Rchb.f.; Graphorchis clavicornis (Lindl.) Kuntze; Graphorchis emarginata (Lindl.) Kuntze; Graphorchis hians (Spreng.) Kuntze; Graphorchis violacea (Rchb.f.) Kuntze; Graphorkis clavicornis (Lindl.) Kuntze; Graphorkis emarginata (Lindl.) Kuntze; Graphorkis violacea (Rchb.f.) Kuntze;