Fragrant orchid (Anacamptis coriophora, 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: Europe, Medit. to Iran

Description

The Fragrant Orchid, scientifically known as Anacamptis coriophora, is a captivating species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. It is widely recognized for its alluring scent, which sets it apart from many other members of the orchid family.

Description and Features

Anacamptis coriophora is notable for its small, densely packed flowers, which are often reddish-purple, though some variants display a range of hues from greenish to deep violet. The lip of the flower, a characteristic trait of orchids, is typically three-lobed with a slightly ruffled margin, adding to its delicate beauty. This orchid stands on a slender, erect stem with linear to lanceolate leaves that clasp tightly around it.

Habitat and Distribution

This enchanting orchid is native to a broad geographic range, spanning from Europe and the Mediterranean regions to as far as Iran. It thrives in diverse habitats, often being found in meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. The Fragrant Orchid favors calcareous soils, which are prevalent in its natural habitats.

Ecology and Interaction

Anacamptis coriophora plays a significant role in its ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits. The fragrance of the flowers is not just pleasant to human senses but is a crucial adaptation for attracting pollinators, including various species of bees and butterflies, which facilitate its reproduction through pollination.

Conservation Status

While the Fragrant Orchid is relatively widespread, it faces threats from habitat destruction, changes in land use, and environmental pollution. Conservation efforts are essential to preserve its natural habitats and ensure its continued presence in the wild.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The allure of Anacamptis coriophora is not just limited to its ecological role and beauty; it also holds a place in the hearts of plant enthusiasts and botanists alike. Documented meticulously in “Lindleyana” (1997) by R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon, and M.W. Chase, the Fragrant Orchid’s detailed botanical description provides valuable insights into its unique characteristics and classification.

In conclusion, Anacamptis coriophora, the Fragrant Orchid, is a testament to the marvels of the natural world. Its delicate blossoms, enticing fragrance, and extensive range make it a fascinating subject of study and admiration. Whether encountered in a sunlit meadow or detailed in academic literature, it continues to charm and intrigue all who come across it.

Common Names

Nld: wantsenorchis
En: Fragrant orchid, Orchids, Bug Orchis
Nl: Wantsenorchis
Fr: Orchis, Orchis punaise, Orchis à odeur de punaise, Orchis à odeur de vanille
De: Wanzen-Knabenkraut, Wanzen-Orchis
It: Cimiciattola, Orchide cimicina

Synonyms

• Orchis cimicina (Crantz)
• Anteriorchis coriophora var. carpetana ((Willk.) P.Delforge)
• Orchis polliniana (Spreng.)
• Orchis coriophora var. major (E.G.Camus)
• Anacamptis coriophora var. carpetana ((Willk.) Kreutz)
• Orchis fragrans var. apricorum (Duffort)
• Orchis coriophora var. martrinii ((Timb.-Lagr.) Gaut.)
• × Orchidactyla carpetana ((Willk.) Borsos & Soó)
• Orchis cassidea (M.Bieb.)
• Orchis coreosmus (St.-Lag.)
• Orchis coriophora var. subsancta (Balayer)
• Anteriorchis coriophora ((L.) E.Klein & Strack)
• Orchis coriophora subsp. cimicina ((Crantz) E.G.Camus)
• Orchis coriophora var. lusciniarum (Maire)
• Anacamptis coriophora subsp. carpetana ((Willk.) Bernardos)
• Orchis coriophora var. cibiniensis (Schur)
• Orchis coriophora var. carpetana (Willk.)
• Orchis coriophora f. nana (W.Zimm.)
• Orchis coriophora var. fragrans ((Pollini) Boiss.)
• Orchis coriophora var. inodora (DC.)
• Orchis carpetana ((Willk.) Pau)
• Anacamptis coriophora f. virescens ((E.G.Camus) F.M.Vázquez)
• Anacamptis coriophora f. alba ((E.G.Camus) F.M.Vázquez)
• Herorchis coriophora subsp. martrinii ((Timb.-Lagr.) D.Tyteca & E.Klein)
• Orchis fragrans f. grandiflora (Rchb.)
• Anteriorchis fragrans ((Pollini) Szlach.)
• Orchis coriophora subsp. nervulosa ((Sakalo) Soó)
• Anteriorchis coriophora var. martrinii ((Timb.-Lagr.) P.Delforge)
• Orchis coriophora var. cassidea ((M.Bieb.) Nyman)
• Anacamptis coriophora var. martrinii ((Timb.-Lagr.) Kreutz)
• Orchis nervulosa (Sakalo)
• Anteriorchis fragrans f. apricorum ((Duffort) P.Delforge)
• Orchis martrinii (Timb.-Lagr.)
• Orchis coriophora var. sennenii (A.Camus)
• Orchis coriophora var. czeremossica (Zapal.)
• Orchis coriophora (L.)
• Orchis coriophora var. polliniana ((Spreng.) Pollini)
• Orchis coriophora var. cimicina ((Crantz) Arcang.)
• Anacamptis coriophora subsp. fragrans ((Pollini) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase)
• Anteriorchis coriophora subsp. fragrans ((Pollini) Jacquet)
• Orchis coriophora subsp. martrinii ((Timb.-Lagr.) Nyman)
• Orchis coriophora var. dolichoceras (Maire)
• Orchis coriophora var. odorata (Ten. ex Rchb.f.)
• Orchis fragrans var. elongata ((Maire) Raynaud)
• Orchis coriophora var. elongata (Maire)
• Anacamptis coriophora subsp. nervulosa ((Sakalo) Mosyakin & Timch.)
• Anacamptis fragrans ((Pollini) R.M.Bateman)
• Orchis coriophora var. symphypetala (Brot.)
• Orchis coriophora subsp. fragrans ((Pollini) K.Richt.)
• Orchis coriophora f. borosiana (Soó)
• Anacamptis coriophora subsp. martrinii ((Timb.-Lagr.) Jacquet & Scappat.)
• Orchis coriophora f. virescens (E.G.Camus)
• Orchis coriophora subsp. carpetana ((Willk.) Malag.)
• Anteriorchis coriophora subsp. martrinii ((Timb.-Lagr.) Jacquet)
• Orchis coriophora f. alba (E.G.Camus)
• Orchis coriophora var. latifolia (Tinant)
• Herorchis coriophora subsp. fragrans ((Pollini) D.Tyteca & E.Klein)
• Orchis fragrans f. cassidea ((M.Bieb.) Rchb.)
• Herorchis coriophora ((L.) D.Tyteca & E.Klein)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by Daniele Boggiani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2005 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 26, 2019 by abre ofe (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Krampl Tomáš (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 20, 2021 by AbejaRuca Abeja (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Hélène PitouK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Gabriel Mayrhofer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − éliette Pignard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by václav S (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Natalia Kazakova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Natalia Kazakova (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by Roberto Righini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Bergwacht Obsteig (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by A Corbin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jun 11, 1871 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2808461)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:998299-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anacamptis coriophora (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]