Gastrodia
(from gaster, a belly; referring to the swelling of the column in front). ORD. Orchideae. A genus of about seven species of tall, slender, leafless, whitish or brown terrestrial orchids, found in Australia, New Zealand, and the Indian Islands. For culture, see Pogonia. G. Cunninghamii (Cunningham's). fl. dirty green, spotted with white; bracts short, scarious; claw of lip winged; blade linear-oblong, membranous, waved, with two thick ridges down the middle; column very short. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high; root sometimes 18in. long, very stout. SYN. G. sesamoides. G. sesamoides (Sesamum-like). A synonym of G. Cunninghamii.