Red beak orchid, Potato orchid
Burnettia nigricans
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
An orchid. It has a large, fleshy, heart-shaped leaf. The leaf is 2-8 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. It lies flat on the ground. The flower stalk is fleshy and green and red. There are 2-8 reddish flowers. Flower bracts sheath each flower. The flower has 4 petals and a lip. The flowers have a scent. The flowers are red, striped with white. The top sepal has a prominent hood. The flowers normally only appear after a summer fire.
There is only one Burnettia species. Listed as Burnettia cuneata in Elliot & Jones. This name is not current.
Where it is found
They grow on a range of soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
The tubers are eaten raw or roasted.
Edible parts
Tubers, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Djubak, Elephant's ears, Elephant's tongue