Horned orchid, Bird's mouth orchid
Orthoceras strictum
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
A ground orchid. It grows 30-60 cm high. There are 2-5 leaves. These are narrow, like threads. They are 15-30 cm long by 2-3 mm wide. They occur in a tuft near the base. They are bright green and have a channel. The flowering stalk is 60 cm tall. It is stiff and bears 1-9 flowers. The flowers are 1 cm across and yellowish-green or dark brown.
There are about 4 Orthoceras species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in button grass and sedgy heathland. It is often on poorly drained soils. It can survive fires.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Tubers, root
How it is grown
In cultivation plants normally loose their vigour over 3-4 years then die.