Gastrodia sesamoides

Common name: 

Cinnamon Bells

Family: 

Orchidaceae

Distribution (from Flora of Victoria):

All regions except Murray Mallee, Lowan Mallee, Wimmera, Riverina, Snowfields (DEJKNPRSTVWZ) all States except NT

Map - Australia's Virtual Herbarium

Distribution and ecological preference at Wilsons Promontory (if known):

Wet forest, growing in deep leaf litter1

Flower description:

Golden brown1

Habit:

Deciduous, saprophytic orchid to 60 cm high1

Distinguishing characteristics (within family/genus):

This orchid rises from tuberous rootstock. It has no leaves as it derives it nourishment from decaying organic matter. Stems are brown and curled before flowering and flowers are bell shaped and tipped white2,1

Images:
Image of Gastrodia sesamoides
Image of Gastrodia sesamoides Image: Roger Farrow
Links to more images:

Atlas of Living Australia

Links to description of this species:

RBG

Conservation status:

Not threatened

References:

1 Walsh, N. G. and Entwisle, T. J. “Flora of Victoria”, volumes 2 (1994), 3 (1996) and 4 (1999). Inkata Press, Port Melbourne, Victoria
2 Meagher, D. and Kohout, M. (2001). “A field guide to Wilsons Promontory”. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic.