Queensland tree orchid, Channel Leaf Cymbidium, Black Orchid, Cooktown Black Orchid
Cymbidium canaliculatum
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
An orchid which grows attached to trees. It produces thick fleshy bulb like organs. These are 3-12 cm long. The leaves are thick and smooth. They are leathery and V shaped. They are 10-50 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The midrib is raised underneath. The flowers vary in colour. They can be green and yellow or red-brown. They are 1.5-4 cm long by 2-5 cm wide on stalks 20-40 cm long. These stalks come from the base of the bulb like structure. The fruit is a woody capsule. It is 4.5-5 cm long and about 1-1.7 cm wide. It splits along the edge when ripe. It contains many small seeds.
There are about 40-50 Cymbidium species and thousands of hybrids.
Where it is found
It mostly grows on Eucalypts in open woodland. It grows in tropical and warm temperate places. It can withstand drought. It grows in drier areas. It grows in rotten logs.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The stems and bases of the leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The starch from the tubers is also used to make sago.
Edible parts
Stems, fruit, bulbs, pods, seeds, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by division.
Its other names
Local names
Banggaldjun, Bungulyon, Channeled cymbidium, Dampy-ampy, Garrii, Inland tree orchid, Tiger orchid, Wild arrowroot