Tree orchid, Antelope Orchid, Tea-tree Orchid, Onion orchid
Dendrobium canaliculatum
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
An orchid which grows attached to other plants. It grows in clumps. It is 20-30 cm high. The false bulbs are short, thick and fleshy. They are 3-12 cm long. The leaves are smooth, thick and fleshy and long and narrow. They are deeply grooved along the upper surface. They are 10-20 cm long by 0.5-1.2 cm wide. Between 2 and 6 leaves occur at the top of the false bulb. They are dark green. The flower have twisted petals which are greenish white flecked with purple green or brown spots. The lower petal is white, tipped with purple and is 3 lobed. The flowers are 1-2 cm long by 1.5 cm across. Between 10 and 40 flowers occur in a cluster which is 10-30 cm long and on a long stalk. The flowers have a smell. The fruit is a capsule. The plant varies a lot in the different areas where it grows.
There are about 900-1200 Dendrobium species orchids.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows attached to paperbark trees. It is mostly in lowland swamps and coastal flood plains. They suit areas with bright light but humid conditions. It is very cold sensitive. It must have a temperature above 10°C. It occurs in southern Papua New Guinea. It grows in areas with a seasonal dry condition. It cannot grow in soggy conditions. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Hawaii, Pacific, Papua New Guinea (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The bulb like stem is cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Pseudo-bulb, stem
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. It can be grown in a good, well drained soil or potting medium.
In Australia flowering occurs June to October and fruiting in November.
Its other names
Local names
Yamberin