Common Name: Tiger Orchid

General Information

Cymbidium canaliculatum is an epiphytic, evergreen, perennial orchid that can grow about 50cm tall.
The edible swollen stem is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales.

Habitat

An epiphytic plant, usually found in Eucalyptus forests[]. It grows on rotting wood in the hollows of trees in dry sclerophyll forest or woodland.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of tropical and subtropical areas.
Grows in the wild on rotting wood in the hollows of trees in dry sclerophyll forest or woodland.
The roots of the plant can sometimes grow down into a hollow tree for several metres[].

Edible Uses

The pseudobulb (actually a thickened stem) is edible raw or cooked[, ]. Rich in starch, though it is mucilaginous and insipid[]. The stem can be pounded or grated, and a starch washed out and allowed to settle[]. This is said to be very digestible and suitable for 'delicate' children[].

The brown fruit can be eaten raw[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The starchy, sticky sap of the plant, was traditionally used by Australian Aborigines to mix with ochre to make a paint[].

Propagation

Seed -

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