Eulophia schweinfurthii

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A herb or orchid. It grows in the soil. It forms tubers under the ground. They are 4-5 cm across and 2-3 cm wide. They form a chain. The roots are fleshy and white. There are 4-7 leaves. They form a fan. They are 17-38 cm long by 3-18 mm wide. The flowering stalk is 1 m tall. There are up to 16 flowers. The sepals are purple-red and the petals are yellow with red veins inside.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in hot river valleys and open woodland. It grows between 300-1,950 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lissochilus pentheri Schltr.;