Orchids of the Eifel: Anacamptis

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Anacamptis morio

Hillside with Anacamptis morio and primroses


Latin: Anacamptis morio (was orchis morio)
English: Green winged orchid
German: Kleines Knabenkraut
Bloom: End of April to beginning of July

This is the first orchid to bloom in spring in the Eifel..

Photographed near Stadtkyll,
April 29, 2009

Anacamptis morio - plants

These orchids grow on dry to damp, unfertilized meadows and hillsides on calcium.

Photographed near Stadtkyll,
April 29, 2009

Anacamptis morio was originally grouped in the orchis family but was transferred to anacamptis about 12 years ago, based on new information on its genetic make-up..

Photographed near Stadtkyll,
April 29, 2009

The English name green winged orchid comes from the green striped upper petals forming the helmet..

Photographed near Stadtkyll,
April 29, 2009

The colour of the flowers ranges from deep purple to mauve or pale pink to white with purple spots or pure white.

Photographed near Stadtkyll,
April 29, 2009

The pure white variant is quite rare. We were lucky and found 2 plants with pure white blossoms.

Photographed near Stadtkyll,
April 29, 2009

Anacamptis pyramidalis

Anacamptis pyramidalis - plant


Latin: Anacamptis pyramidalis
English: Pyramidal orchid
German: Pyramidenorchis
Bloom: Mid-June to end of July

We also saw these orchids growing wild on the Island of Crete, Greece.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 14, 2006

Anacamptis pyramidalis - flower head

These orchids grow on dry, sunny hillsides, only in calciferous soil.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 28, 2006

 

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June 7, 2009
©copyright Vicki Sherwood
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