Mosquito orchid, Gnat Orchid
Cyrtostylis reniformis

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A small orchid. It is an evergreen plant. It grows 5-20 cm high and a spread of 20 cm across. The stem is erect and carries the flower. The leaves are kidney shaped and 4 cm long by 5 cm across. They are green and with hairs on the underside. The flowers are reddish-brown. Up to 8 flower blooms can occur at the top of the plant. They are 1.5 cm long and pink or red. The lip of the orchid flower shows up clearly and is flat and oblong.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. A plant native to coastal New South Wales in Australia. It prefers light sandy soils. It does best in well drained soils and a protected position which can be in partial shade. It is damaged by frost and drought. Often colonies of the plants grow together.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The tuber is eaten.

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

It is grown by dividing the rootstock. It is easy to grow.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Acianthus reniformis;