Red beak orchid, Mournful flower, Undertaker Orchid
Pyrorchis nigricans

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A ground orchid. It grows 10-20 cm high. It forms extensive colonies. The leaves are 6-9 cm long by 5-8 cm wide. They are broadly oval or heart shaped. They are fleshy and bright green. They can have black marks. They are close to the ground. The flower stem is 10-20 cm tall and fleshy. There are 2-8 flowers on a stalk. The flowers are 3-4 cm across and red and white. There are brown leathery bracts under the flowers.

There are 4 Lyperanthus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. Flowers grow after a summer fire. It grows in a range of habitats.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania

How it is used for food

The roots are roasted or baked or pounded into a paste and made into cakes.

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Caladenia nigricans (R. Br.) Rchb.f.; Leptoceras pectinata Endl.; Lyperanthus nigricans R. Br.; Lyperanthus nigricans f. pumila Domin;