Website of Tobias Westmeier

Notes

The Potato Orchid, also known as the Bell Orchid, is one of several species of Gastrodia that occur across Australia. It is endemic to south-western Australia where it can be found in high-rainfall forests and woodlands between Bunbury and Albany. As the Potato Orchid is the only Gastrodia species in WA, it cannot be confused with any other species.

Potato Orchids are unusual in that they lack leaves or chlorophyll. Instead, the plants receive their nutrients and energy directly from fungi living in the soil. The flower stalks are entirely brown and carry up to several dozen tiny white flowers. The main flowering period is late spring and early summer. Potato Orchids often form large groups or colonies, but are easily overlooked as a result of their inconspicuous flowers and dull colouration.

Photos

References

• Gastrodia lacista in the Australian Plant Name Index
• Gastrodia lacista in the Atlas of Living Australia
• Gastrodia lacista in the Western Australian FloraBase