Gastrodia procera

Tall Potato Orchid at Barton, ACT

Gastrodia procera at Barton, ACT - 13 Nov 2017
Gastrodia procera at Barton, ACT - 13 Nov 2017
Gastrodia procera at Barton, ACT - 13 Nov 2017
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Identification history

Gastrodia procera 15 Nov 2017 TonyWood
Gastrodia sesamoides 14 Nov 2017 ClubFED

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User's notes

Some of the potato orchids have started to bloom. Hopefully there's enough detail to confirm it now rather than just Gastrodia sp. If there isn't, please let me know what to look for as there's no leaves etc and I will take some more photos later on.

5 comments

TonyWood wrote:
   15 Nov 2017
The local species is G. sesamoides. However, given the location of the species, the likelihood is that it was introduced in the mulch, so could be the similar looking species, G. procera, which tends to be a taller more robust plant. The main way of telling them apart is from the unopened buds; the immature inflorescence being recurved like a shepherd's crook. Did you notice the appearance of any plants where the flowers had not yet opened?
ClubFED wrote:
   15 Nov 2017
One this one and another have started to flower. The rest haven't opened yet and look like http://canberra.naturemapr.org/Community/Sightings/Details/3384498 They sort of stick out rather than a shepherd's crook.
TonyWood wrote:
   15 Nov 2017
From your description and the link provided I am prepared to call this G. procera.
TonyWood wrote:
   15 Nov 2017
See page136 of the Guide to ACT Orchids for an image of an immature inflorescence of G. sesamoides.
ClubFED wrote:
   16 Nov 2017
Yes, it doesn't look bent like it does on page 136.

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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • True In flower
  • 10cm to 30cm Plant height

Species information

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  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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