Pink nodding orchid, Pink shepherd's crook
Geodorum densiflorum

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid that has a fleshy rhizome. It has round false bulbs and several broad leaves. There are 3-5 leaves at the top of a short stem, the top leaf is the largest. The leaves are oval and 10-35 cm by 3-9 cm wide. They are pleated along their length. The leaf stalk is 15 cm long. The flowering stalk has 8-10 pink flowers. It becomes bent over by the time the flowers are mature. The fruit are capsules 2-5 cm long. They are oval and have ribs along them.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on lighter soils including sand. In southern China it grows along stream sides and on grassy slopes between 300-2,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Guinea, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Rhizomes, false bulbs

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Several