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Botanical Name :Goodyera oblongifolia
Family:Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Orchidoideae
Tribe: Cranichideae
Subtribe: Goodyerinae
Genus: Goodyera
Species: G. oblongifolia
Kingdom: Plantae
Order:Asparagales
Synonyms: Goodyera decipiens – (Hook.)Hubbard.,Goodyera menziesii – Lindl.,Peramium decipiens – (Hook.) Piper.
Common Name :Western rattlesnake plantain or Giant rattlesnake plantain
Habitat :Goodyera oblongifolia is native to much of North America, particularly the western side of the continent from Alaska to Mexico, and to eastern Canada. It is most commonly found in deep leaf litter and shade of moist or dry coniferous or mixed woods, in East infrequent in cedar swamps, in s Rocky Mountains confined to high elevation spruce-fir forests; 0 – 3400 m
Description:
Goodyera oblongifolia is a perennial orchid plant growing to 0.3m.
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower in August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)
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This orchid forms a patch of broad lance-shaped to oval-shaped leaves at the ground, each 4 to 9 centimeters long. The leaf is dark green and in this species the midrib is streaked with white. The netlike veining on the leaf is also white, but not as thick as the midrib stripes. The plant produces an erect inflorescence up to about 30 centimeters tall. The top of the inflorescence has many white orchid flowers which may all face the same direction on the stalk, or be spirally arranged about it.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil.
Cultivation:
Requires a somewhat shady site and a well-drained compost of peat, leafmold and sand. Does well in the woodland garden. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it is suitable for cultivation in a cool greenhouse or, perhaps, for a select position outdoors. It is closely related to the British native species G. repens. Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid.
Propagation:
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. 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 is best carried out in the spring. Each division should have a leading point and two, or preferably three, joints of the rhizome. More propagating material can be obtained by cutting halfway through the rhizome during the previous growing season at the point where you wish to divide. This will stimulate the production of growth buds at the point of division
Edible Uses:
Edible Uses: Gum.
An exudation from the plant is used as a chewing gum.
Medicinal Uses:
Poultice; Tonic.
An infusion of the plants has been used as a tonic. A poultice of the softened leaves has been applied to cuts and sores[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the bath water for treating stiff muscles.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider
Resources:
http://digedibles.com/database/plants.php?Goodyera+oblongifolia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodyera_oblongifolia
http://www.portlandnursery.com/plants/natives/goodyera.shtml
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