Ponerorchis chusua

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. It grows in the soil and has stems 10- 25 cm tall. There are 1-3 leaves. These are narrowly sword shaped and 3-8 cm long. The base forms a sheath. The flowers are purple and have spots. They are in spikes at the top of the plant. There are only a few flowers.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 2,400-4,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Tibet

How it is used for food

The root tubers are roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ongri, Wangla marpo, Wanglag mempa

Synonyms

Orchis chusua D. Don; and several others