Pink-head orchid
Satyrium macrophyllum

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is an orchid that grows in the soil. It grows 15-80 cm high. There are 6-10 leaves. The lowest ones form a sheath. The higher leaves are 24 cm long by 8 cm wide. The flowering stalks are 22 cm long. There are many flowers. The flowers are pink. The tubers are 2.5 cm long by 1 cm wide. They are oval.

Over collecting has meant that the plant is at risk.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In South Africa, it grows in grassland and woodland between 1,000-1,940 m above sea level. In Tanzania it grows between 1,200-2,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tubers are peeled and washed and then cooked and eaten like potatoes. They are also peeled and pounded and the flour fermented and then baked into cakes.

Tubers and cakes are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from tubers.

Tubers are dug up during and soon after the rainy season. Tubers can be stored for several months if kept cool and dry.

Its other names

Local names

Chikande, Kikande, Nyamachebele, Nyamasebele, Uklamkleshe, Unoklamu

Synonyms

Satyrium buchananii Rolfe; Satyrium cheirophorum Rolfe; Satyrium murrumbalaense De Wild.; Satyrium speciosum Summerh.;