Vimenjak
Platanthera bifolia

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. It grows 28-42 cm tall. The rootstock forms tubers. They are oval and taper at the base. They are 3 cm long by 1 cm wide. The stem is erect with 1 or 2 tubes shaped sheaths at the base. The leaves are at the base and spoon shaped or narrowly oval. They are 9-12 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They contract at the base. The flowers are white or greenish white and have a scent.

Where it is found

It is a temperate climate plant. It grows in forests on slopes and damp meadows between 200-2,800 m above sea level. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Asia, Austria, Balkans, Belarus, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Bosnia, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Europe, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lebanon, Mongolia, Netherlands, North Africa, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Siberia, Sicily, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The starch of the bulb is used in dishes, porridge and bread.

Edible parts

Bulb

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dvolistni vimenjak, Guguk salebi, Janese munad

Synonyms

Orchis bifolia L.; and others