Pink fingers
Caladenia carnea

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A small orchid. They grow in the ground. They have underground tubers. It grows 12-25 cm tall and 1.5 mm thick. It has a single hairy leaf. The leaf is narrow and 9-15 cm long by 3-4 mm wide. Leaves are slightly hairy. The flowers are one to two colourful flowers. The flower stalk is 30 cm long. Each flower is about 3-5 cm across. Flowers can be white or pink but with red bars on the upper lip.

There are about 80-160-200 Caladenia species. Many are in Australia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in open forests at low to moderate altitudes with a distinct dry season. It also grows in heathland. It grows best in light to medium well-drained soils. It needs a protected partly shaded position. It is damaged by drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Malaysia, Pacific, SE Asia, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The tubers can be eaten raw.

Edible parts

Tubers, root, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from tubers. They require a soil mix with leaf litter from Eucalyptus species and coarse sand. They can also be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Caladenis atkinsonii Rodway; Petalochilus carneus (R. Br.) D. L. Jones & M. A. Clem.; and others