Gamdol, Thamni
Satyrium nepalense

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. It grows in the ground. It grows 20-70 cm tall. The tubers are oblong and 2-5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The stem has 1-3 thin sheaths at the base. The leaves are oblong and end abruptly. They are 4-19 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The leaves sheath the base. The flowers are pink. They have a scent.

There are about 100 Satyrium species. Most are in Africa and 2 in Asia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 600-4600 m altitude. It grows in moist places. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Tibet

How it is used for food

The false bulbs are cooked and eaten. The tender leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are also used in soup.

Edible parts

Pseudobulb, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or pseudobulbs.

Its other names

Local names

Hin tsungs

Synonyms

Satyrium albiflorum A. Rich.; and others