Autumn lady’s tresses spiranthes (Spiranthes spiralis, Fl. Gén. Env. Paris 2: 330 (1827))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (L.) Chevall.

Bibliography: Fl. Gén. Env. Paris 2: 330 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spiranthes

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Medit. and C. Himalaya

Description

Autumn lady’s tresses, known scientifically as Spiranthes spiralis, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. Its delicate and charming blooms unfurl in the cooler autumn months, bringing a touch of understated elegance to meadows and grasslands across its native range.

First described in the bibliographical work “Fl. Gén. Env. Paris” in 1827, authored by (L.) Chevall., Spiranthes spiralis has been admired and studied for nearly two centuries. This species boasts a distinct beauty with its spiraled racemes of small, white to pinkish flowers that twine gracefully around the stem.

The geographical distribution of autumn lady’s tresses is notably widespread, spanning from Europe across the Mediterranean region and extending as far as the Central Himalayas. This diverse range highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and habitats, whether it be the sunny meadows of Europe or the rugged terrains of the Himalayas.

Despite its beauty, Spiranthes spiralis can sometimes be overlooked due to its relatively modest appearance compared to some of its more flamboyant orchid relatives. However, its unique spiral arrangement of flowers and its late blooming season make it a unique addition to the botanical tapestry of its habitats. Conservation efforts are important to ensure this delicate species continues to grace our landscapes, particularly in regions where its habitats may be under threat.

In horticulture, autumn lady’s tresses are cherished for their autumnal appearance and their ability to thrive in well-draining soils with partial sunlight. Gardeners and orchid enthusiasts alike prize this species for its ability to bring gentle floral beauty to the time of year when other plants are beginning to fade.

In summary, Spiranthes spiralis or autumn lady’s tresses, with its subtle charm and broad historical and geographical significance, deserves a place of honor in the world of botany. Its presence across various continents and its contribution to biodiversity make it an important species for both scientific study and natural admiration.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig skrueaks, skrueaks
Deu: herbst-drehwurz, herbst-schraubenstendel, herbst-wendelähre, schraubige wendelorchis
Eng: autumn ladiestresses, autumn lady’s-tresses
Nld: herfstschroeforchis
Swe: skruvax, höstskruvax
Fra: spiranthe dáutomne
Nob: skrueaks
Nno: skrueaks
Cym: caineirian nydd-dro, caineirian nydd-droedig, caineirian troellog, teircaill, troellig yr hydref
En: Autumn Lady’s Tresses Spiranthes, Autumn ladiestresses, Autumn Lady’s-tresses, Lady’s-tresses
Ca: Espirant autumnal
Cs: Švihlík krutiklas
Da: Almindelig skrueaks, Skrueaks
Nl: Herfstschroeforchis
Fi: Syyskierrevilkka
Fr: Spiranthe dáutomne, Spiranthe d’automne, Spiranthe en spirale, Spiranthe spiralée
De: Schraubige wendelorchis, Herbst-Drehwurz, Herbst-Schraubenstendel, Herbst-Wendelähre, Herbst Wendelähre
It: Viticcini autonnali, Treccia di dama, Viticcini autunnali
Mt: Hajja w mejta tal-harifa
No: Skruvax
Nb: Skrueaks
Nn: Skrueaks
Sk: Pokrut jesenný
Sv: Honungsblomster, Skruvax, Höstskruvax
Cy: Caineirian Nydd-Dro, Caineirian Nydd-Droedig, Caineirian Troellog, Teircaill, Troellig yr Hydref

Synonyms

• Ophrys spiralis (L.)
• Tussaca autumnalis ((Balb.) Desv.)
• Spiranthes autumnalis f. bracteata (E.G.Camus)
• Spiranthes autumnalis var. major (Rouy)
• Spiranthes glauca (Raf.)
• Spiranthes autumnalis ((Balb.) Rich.)
• Ophrys autumnalis (Balb.)
• Epipactis spiralis ((L.) Crantz)
• Gyrostachys spiralis ((L.) Kuntze)
• Spiranthes autumnalis var. parviflora (Schur)
• Neottia autumnalis ((Balb.) Steud.)
• Serapias spiralis ((L.) Scop.)
• Spiranthes autumnalis f. oycoviensis (Zapal.)
• Spiranthes autumnalis f. parviflora (Soó)
• Gyrostachys autumnalis ((Balb.) Dumort.)
• Neottia spiralis ((L.) Sw.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Slavko Struna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Slavko Struna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Gui ferl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Catherine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2022 by caven (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2021 by Raúl (Este Madrid) (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 23, 2018 by Christine Perroux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by doune34160 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Anne-Marie Jegou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2021 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 25, 2016 by Hervé Goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Sep 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (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/2805322)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:658457-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall.)

Specifications

Growth