Terrestrial orchids are either rhizomatous or with tuber/s. Tubers play the role of food reserves and in many species new growths arise from it. Tubers are of different sizes and shapes. The surface of tubers are also unique, some are smooth but others are hairy, or even noded.
Tubers of many orchid species are collected because of their medicinal values.
The Ancient Romans used ground orchid tubers to make various drinks. Sahlep (or Salep) is a flour made from the tubers of orchid plants (in the genus Orchis) and considered highly nutritious and is consumed in beverages and desserts.
Post 49 – 14/January/2021.