Contents
Description
Gastrodia Sesamoides is a species of orchid that is native to Australia and New Zealand. It is a unique plant in that it lacks leaves and obtains its energy from fungi. The plant produces a single stem that can reach up to 30cm in height and is usually green or brown in color. It produces a single flower that is white with a yellowish-green tinge and has a sweet scent. The flower blooms in late summer to early autumn and can last for up to a month.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Gastrodia |
Appearance
Gastrodia Sesamoides produces a single stem that is usually green or brown in color and can reach up to 30cm in height. The stem is smooth and slightly fleshy. The plant lacks leaves and instead obtains its energy from fungi. It produces a single flower that is white with a yellowish-green tinge and has a sweet scent. The flower blooms in late summer to early autumn and can last for up to a month. The plant also produces small, rounded, and fleshy tubers that can be used for medicinal purposes.
Care Guide
Gastrodia Sesamoides is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It does not require fertilizer, as it obtains its energy from fungi. The plant prefers partial shade and should be protected from direct sunlight. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gastrodia Sesamoides is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Spider mites and mealybugs can infest the plant, especially if it is grown indoors. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot if overwatered. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent fungal growth.
Habitat
Gastrodia Sesamoides is native to Australia and New Zealand. It is typically found in forests and woodlands, growing on the forest floor. The plant obtains its energy from fungi that are associated with the roots of nearby trees. It is an important component of the forest ecosystem and plays a role in nutrient cycling.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Gastrodia Sesamoides have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the plant produces small, rounded, and fleshy tubers that have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Q: Can Gastrodia Sesamoides be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a partially shaded area.
Q: How often should Gastrodia Sesamoides be watered?
A: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Gastrodia Sesamoides?
A: Gastrodia Sesamoides is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Gastrodia Elata
- Gastrodia Nantoensis
- Gastrodia Flabellata
References
- “Gastrodia Sesamoides.” Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, www.rbg.vic.gov.au/plants/plant-alphabet/gastrodia-sesamoides.
- “Gastrodia Sesamoides.” PlantNet, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Gastrodia~sesamoides.
- Wapstra, Mark, et al. “The Ecological Significance of Gastrodia Sesamoides, an Australian Mycoheterotrophic Orchid.” Annals of Botany, vol. 97, no. 6, 2006, pp. 1129–1138., doi:10.1093/aob/mcl070.
