Anacamptis pyramidalis(L.) Rich. - Pyramidal Orchid
Scientific Description:
Stem ± slender, 20−50(−80) mm, with bract-like leaves above. Basal leaves to 25 mm. Spike many-flowered. Bracts narrowly lanceolate, acuminate, slightly exceeding ovary. Flowers carmine or dark to pale rose-pink, sometimes white. Sepals ovate-lanceolate, 6−8 × 3 mm, dorsal connivent with petals, 4−6 mm, laterals spreading. Labellum 6−9 mm, with 2 longitudinal ridges, extending from the narrow circular spur-entrance towards centre. Spur filiform, 10−13 mm, horizontal or descending.
Flowering time: April−June(−July).
Habitat: Rocky slopes in macchie and phrygana, meadows, grassy open woodland, olive-groves, on calcareous and schistose soil, s.l.−1750 m.
Reference:
Renz J & Taubenheim G (1984). Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) L. C. M. Richard, In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 8: 511.
Public Description:
Anacamptis pyramidalis, common name “pyramidal orchid”, native to southwestern Eurasia, from western Europe through the Mediterranean region eastwards to Iran. The Latin name “pyramidalis” refers to the pyramidal form of the inflorescence. This hardy plant reaches on average 30 centimetres of height. The stem is erect and unbranched. The colour of the flower varies from pink to purple, or rarely white, and the scent is described as "foxy". It is a source of 'salep', a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder. Salep is a starch-like substance with a sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell.
References:
Anonymous 1 (2016). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacamptis_pyramidalis/, Accessed date: 02.03.2016.
Anonymous 2 (2016). http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Anacamptis+pyramidalis/, Accessed date: 02.03.2016.
Güler N (2012). Anacamptis Rich., In: Güner, A., Aslan, S., Ekim, T., Vural, M. & Babaç, M.T. (eds.), Türkiye Bitkileri Listesi (Damarlı Bitkiler). Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanik Bahçesi ve Flora Araştırmaları Derneği Yayını. İstanbul, pp. 630.