Gastrodia cunninghamii (Orchidaceae)

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Gastrodia cunninghamii
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The Gastrodia cunninghamii plant species is found in New Zealand. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Gastrodia cunninghamii
Family:  Orchidaceae
Author:  Hook.f.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Dark shaded places in deep woods[44], usually in beech forests[173], on North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.

Propagation Notes: Seed - surface sow, preferably as soon as it is ripe, into the plants natural habitat near existing colonies, or onto a bed of Quercus wood innoculated with the fungus Armillaria mellea (introduce this fungus into your land with extreme caution since it kills trees and there is no known preventative[K]). The seed of this species is extremely simple, it has a minute embryo surrounded by a single layer of protective cells. It contains very little food reserves and depends upon a symbiotic relationship with a species of soil-dwelling fungus. The fungal hyphae invade the seed and enter the cells of the embryo. The orchid soon begins to digest the fungal tissue and this acts as a food supply for the plant. Division in autumn. The plant is very intolerant of root disturbance, any moving or dividing should be attempted in the autumn, keep a large ball of soil around the plant[1].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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