Family: Orchidaceae
Author: Poir.
Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 4: 600 (1798)
Year: 1798
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Orchis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit.
Description
The Naked Man Orchid, scientifically named Orchis italica, is a captivating and unique species that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This intriguing plant gets its common name from the distinctive shape of its flowers, which remarkably resemble a naked man. Each floral structure displays humanoid features, complete with what appear to be arms, legs, and even a detailed head.
First described by the authoritative scientist J.B.A.M. de Lamarck in 1798, Orchis italica holds a notable place in botany. This orchid species thrives in the Mediterranean region, where it adds to the rich biodiversity and serves as a beautiful natural ornament in wild landscapes.
The flowers of the Naked Man Orchid usually exhibit a pinkish hue, adorned with darker dots and streaks that add to its lifelike appearance. The petals and sepals often form a helmet-like structure above the intricately shaped lip, further enhancing the resemblance to a human figure. These blooms can cover the plant in clusters, creating a spectacle that can draw attention from botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
The natural habitat of the Naked Man Orchid ranges from grasslands to open woodlands, where it benefits from well-drained soils and ample sunlight. Thriving in the Mediterranean climate, it demonstrates adaptability by growing across various elevations and terrains within this region.
In addition to its visual appeal, the Orchis italica is also known for engaging in symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which assist the orchid in nutrient absorption from the soil. This mutualistic interaction highlights the intricate ecological connections that are essential for the survival and growth of such specialized plant species.
Conservation efforts for orchids, including the Naked Man Orchid, are crucial due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and habitat disturbance. Protecting the natural landscapes where these plants flourish helps preserve their unique beauty and the ecological roles they play.
The Naked Man Orchid, Orchis italica, continues to captivate those who encounter it, whether in the wild or in cultivated settings. Its whimsical floral design and enduring presence in Mediterranean ecosystems make it a subject of admiration and study, reflecting the incredible diversity and adaptability within the orchid family.
Common Names
En: Naked Man Orchid, Italian Orchid, Naked-man Orchid
Ar: سحلب إيطالي
Zh: 意大利红门兰
Da: Italiensk gøgeurt
Fi: Italiankämmekkä
Fr: Orchis d’Italie
De: Italienisches Knabenkraut
He: סחלב איטלקי
It: Orchidea italiana, Uomo nudo
Ml: ഓർക്കിസ് ഇറ്റാലിക്ക
Mt: Hajja w Mejta tal-werga fdewxa
Zh-tw: 義大利紅門蘭
Zh-hant: 意大利紅門蘭
: Naked-man orchid
Synonyms
- Orchis tephrosanthos var. undulatifolia ((Biv.) Ker Gawl.)
- × Orchiaceras welwitschii ((Rchb.f.) E.G.Camus)
- Orchis simia var. undulatifolia ((Biv.) Webb)
- Orchis italica f. albiflora (Nicora ex Fiori & Paol.)
- Orchis italica var. fontinalis (F.M.Vázquez)
- Orchis longicruris subsp. longipenis (Font Quer & P.Palau)
- Orchis longicruris (Link)
- × Orchiaceras bivonae var. welwitschii ((Rchb.f.) P.Silva)
- Orchis italica f. breviloba (Halácsy)
- Orchis purpurea var. stenoloba ((Coss. & Germ.) Rchb.f.)
- Orchis purpurea subsp. stenoloba ((Coss. & Germ.) K.Richt.)
- Orchis undulatifolia (Biv.)
- Orchis welwitschii (Rchb.f.)
- Orchis fusca var. stenoloba (Coss. & Germ.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Francesco Serianni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Pizzulli Anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Bernard SOULIER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2018 by katerinatzoy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2018 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Larissa Möller (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2020 by astrid m (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Massimo D’Angelo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2020 by Paulo Pereira (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2018 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Massimo D’Angelo (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 1, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2020 by Frescata Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Bouharaoua BOUDANI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2018 by Mauro Tomaselli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2849640)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:648750-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orchis italica Poir.)