Scientific Name: Calochilus Gracillimus
Common Name: Slender Beard Orchid
Indigenous Use
Tubers eaten.
When to Use
Tubers can be eaten all year round but the flowers are required for identification. Calochilus gracillimus, typically flowers from late spring to early summer, specifically from October to December (Jones, 2006).
Identification
Leaves: The Slender Beard Orchid has a single, slender, channelled leaf that is typically 15-25 cm long and about 2-3 mm wide. The leaf is bright green and emerges from the base of the plant, often lying flat or curving upwards slightly (Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Flowers: Calochilus gracillimus produces distinctive flowers borne on a slender, erect spike that can reach up to 30 cm in height. Each spike carries several flowers, which are typically greenish with reddish-brown stripes. The flowers feature a labellum (lip) covered with dense, beard-like purple or red hairs, and this unique labellum is fringed with glandular hairs, giving the orchid its common name. (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Native Orchids of Australia, 2024).
Seeds: As with many orchids, the seeds of Calochilus gracillimus are tiny and dust-like, designed to be dispersed by the wind. The seed capsules develop after the flowering period and release numerous microscopic seeds when mature (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024).
Tubers: The tubers of Calochilus gracillimus, commonly known as the Slender Beard Orchid, are typically oval to oblong in shape, measuring about 1-2 cm in length. They have a fleshy and somewhat firm texture, characteristic of many terrestrial orchids. The outer surface of the tubers is usually a pale brown or beige colour, while the interior is white or cream. These tubers serve as essential storage organs, allowing the plant to survive periods of dormancy and regenerate during the growing season. They store nutrients and water to support new growth and flowering (Jones, 2006; Australian National Herbarium, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Coastal Heaths: Coastal heath habitats have in common sandy soil low in nutrients, a low pH (between 3.5 and 6.5), and a constant supply of moisture. They are characterised by their low-growing, dense vegetation, adapted to sandy soils and frequent fires. Common plants in these areas are grasstrees and banksias. These ecosystems can be found in well-known areas such as Cooloola, Bribie Island, and Noosa National Park.
References
Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), 2023. Calochilus gracillimus (Slender Beard Orchid). [online] Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2917360 [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024. Calochilus gracillimus. [online] Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp12/calochilus-gracillimus.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Native Orchids of Australia, 2024. Calochilus gracillimus. [online] Available at: http://www.nativeorchids.com.au/calochilus_gracillimus.htm [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Cribb A.B. and J.W., Wild Food in Australia. Collins, Sydney, 1974
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.
Jones, D. L. (2006). A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia. Reed New Holland.
Australian National Herbarium. (2024). Calochilus gracillimus. Retrieved from Australian National Herbarium website [Accessed 20 June 2024].