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Gastrodia sesamoides Potato orchid (1 Page of 5) The Gastrodia sesamoides plant species is found in Australia, New Zealand. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Potato orchid. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Gastrodia sesamoides Common Name: Potato orchid Family: Orchidaceae Author: R.Br. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: Mature Width: Habitat: Open forest and scrub from the coast to the sub-alpine zone, mainly north of latitude 42°s, in the North and South Islands of New Zealand[44].
Propagation Notes: Seed - surface sow, preferably as soon as it is ripe, in the greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. 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 until it is able to obtain nutrients from decaying material in the soil[200]. It is best to use some of the soil that is growing around established plants in order to introduce the fungus, or to sow the seed around a plant of the same species and allow the seedlings to grow on until they are large enough to move.
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].
For further Gastrodia sesamoides gardening information click on one of the blue links below 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'. View their bibliography

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