Orchids of the Eifel: Himantoglossum

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himantoglossum hircinum


Latin: Himantoglossum hircinum
English: Lizard orchid
German: Bocks-Riemenzunge
Bloom: June to mid-July

These orchids range from 15 to 30 cm high. .

Photographed near Nittel,
June 5, 2009

These orchids grow on dry hillsides and open woods, only on calcium.

Photographed near Nittel,
June 5, 2009

himantoglossum hircinum flower

The lip of this orchid is divided into 3 parts: the middle part twisted and can be 5 or more centimetres long. The flowers are said to smell strongly of goat, hence the German name, but we could not smell it.

Photographed near Wasserliesch,
June 5, 2009

 

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June 8, 2009
©copyright Vicki Sherwood
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