Water-root orchid
Nervilia concolor

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. It has a fleshy round tuber. The leaves have stalks 15-20 cm long. The leaves are almost round or heart shaped and 15 cm across. The flowers are in groups on erect leafless stalks. These are 15-30 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Guam, India, Indonesia, Micronesia, Pacific, Samoa, SE Asia, Yap

How it is used for food

The juicy tuber is chewed to quench thirst. It is also burnt and taken as a snack.

Edible parts

Tuber

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Buru kisari, Maisa ulu, Seyaihagon, Tirimof, Tirimofon

Synonyms

Cordyla concolor Blume; Epicactus carinata Roxb.; Nervilia aragoana Gaudich.; Pogonia carinata (Roxb.) Lindl.; and others