Contents
Description
Gastrodia Minor, commonly known as the small Gastrodia, is a mycoheterotrophic orchid that is native to Asia. This plant has no chlorophyll and relies on fungi for nutrients. It produces a single stem that can grow up to 30cm tall and 1cm wide. The stem is greenish-brown in color and is covered with tiny scales. The flowers of this plant are small and inconspicuous, measuring only 5mm in length. They are reddish-brown in color and are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Gastrodia |
Appearance
Gastrodia Minor has a simple and unremarkable appearance. It produces a single stem that is covered in tiny scales. The stem is greenish-brown in color and can grow up to 30cm tall and 1cm wide. The flowers of this plant are small and reddish-brown in color. They are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence and measure only 5mm in length. The leaves of this plant are absent as it is mycoheterotrophic and does not require photosynthesis to survive.
Care Guide
Water: Gastrodia Minor prefers a consistently moist environment. Watering should be done regularly but not excessively as this plant is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization: As a mycoheterotrophic plant, Gastrodia Minor does not require fertilizer.
Soil: This plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers soil that is slightly acidic.
Sunlight: Gastrodia Minor grows best in a shaded environment with indirect sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gastrodia Minor is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases due to its mycoheterotrophic nature. However, it can be affected by root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Gastrodia Minor is native to Asia and can be found in forests and grasslands. It grows best in shaded areas with moist soil and a humid environment.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Gastrodia Minor require fertilizer?
A: No, Gastrodia Minor does not require fertilizer as it is mycoheterotrophic and obtains nutrients from fungi.
Q: What is the ideal environment for Gastrodia Minor?
A: Gastrodia Minor prefers a shaded environment with indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil.
Q: Can Gastrodia Minor be affected by pests and diseases?
A: While Gastrodia Minor is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases, it can be affected by root rot if overwatered.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Gastrodia Minor?
A: Gastrodia Minor is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Gastrodia Elata
- Gastrodia Nantoensis
- Gastrodia Qingchengshanensis
- Gastrodia Shiuyingiana
References
- Chen, X., Li, P., & Liu, Z. (2014). Mycoheterotrophic plants of Gastrodiales in China: Parasitism strategies, ecology, and evolution. Mycorrhiza, 24(6), 393-403.
- Flora of China Editorial Committee. (2009). Flora of China (Vol. 25). Science Press.
- Lu, J., & Jin, X. (2016). Distribution, ecology and conservation of Gastrodia in China. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology, 40(9), 958.
