Butterfly orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea, Lindleyana 12: 120 (1997))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase (L.)

Bibliography: Lindleyana 12: 120 (1997)

Year: 1997

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anacamptis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Caucasus

Description

The Butterfly Orchid, scientifically known as Anacamptis papilionacea, is a captivating species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. It was comprehensively described in scholarly works, particularly noted in the esteemed publication Lindleyana in 1997 by the botanists R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon, and M.W. Chase.

This striking orchid thrives predominantly in the Mediterranean region extending to the Caucasus, showcasing its adaptability to various climates within this geographical range. The Butterfly Orchid is notable for its vibrant and intricate flowers that closely resemble butterflies, hence its common name. This unique floral design not only enhances its visual appeal but also serves as an adaptation to attract pollinators, ensuring its propagation across its native habitats.

In addition to its ecological significance, Anacamptis papilionacea holds a special place in botanical studies due to its distinct morphology and its role in the broader diversity of the Orchidaceae family. Its flowering period and specific environmental requirements are often subjects of research, contributing to a deeper understanding of orchid biology and conservation.

Through ongoing observations and studies, botanists continue to unravel the complexities of the Butterfly Orchid, ensuring that this remarkable plant is preserved for future generations to appreciate and study.

Common Names

En: Butterfly orchid, Pink Butterfly-orchid
Ca: Abellera papallona
Cs: Rudohlávek
Fr: Orchis, Orchis papillon, Orchis à fleurs lâches
De: Schmetterlingsblütige Knabenkraut, Schmetterlingsblütige Orchis, Schmetterlingsknabenkraut
It: Orchide a farfalla
Sk: Červenohlav
Es: Orchídea mariposa

Synonyms

• Orchis papilionacea (L.)
• Herorchis papilionacea ((L.) D.Tyteca & E.Klein)
• Vermeulenia papilionacea ((L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by meana pablo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2019 by Olesar Li (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by marina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Antonio Jesús Reina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Antonio Jesús Reina (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.

Leaf

Taken May 3, 2020 by sampiero bastelica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Magalie Delalande (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2021 by Lorenzo García (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Poza Laura (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Nicolas SUBERBIELLE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

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

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Anna G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2022 by mete toppare (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 3, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 30, 2021 by Pascal ROIG (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2808646)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:998302-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anacamptis papilionacea (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 3