Giant orchid (Himantoglossum robertianum, Naturalistes Belges 80: 401 (1999))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (Loisel.) P.Delforge

Bibliography: Naturalistes Belges 80: 401 (1999)

Year: 1999

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Himantoglossum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

The Giant orchid, scientifically known as Himantoglossum robertianum, is a striking member of the Orchidaceae family. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this splendid plant captivates botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its robust size and visual appeal.

Described comprehensively by P. Delforge in “Naturalistes Belges” (1999), the Giant orchid has earned recognition for its distinctive characteristics. The plant boasts a remarkable size for an orchid, often standing conspicuously tall amidst the vegetation with its thick, fleshy leaves and stout stem. Each specimen is adorned with a cluster of fascinating, helmet-shaped flowers that transition through a palette of greens and pinks, presenting a sight of botanical splendor. The arrangement of these flowers in a dense spike adds to their exquisite appearance, making them a focal point in their natural habitat.

Naturally adapted to the Mediterranean environment, the Giant orchid thrives in this climate, adding to the biodiversity and contributing to the delicate balance of the ecosystems it inhabits. The unique morphology and adaptable nature of Himantoglossum robertianum reflect the evolutionary pathways of orchids within this region. It demonstrates the intricate relationship between plant species and their environments, offering insights into the ecological niches and the evolutionary dynamics of the Mediterranean flora.

As an orchid, Himantoglossum robertianum exemplifies the complexity and beauty of these plants. Orchids are known for their intricate reproductive strategies and specialized pollination mechanisms, which ensure the continuation of their species amidst changing environmental conditions. The Giant orchid, with its large and colorful blooms, likely attracts a variety of pollinators, playing a vital role in the reproductive cycle that underscores the perpetuation of its lineage.

In conclusion, the Giant orchid stands as a testament to the richness of orchid diversity within the Mediterranean region. Its magnificent floral displays and significant stature elevate its botanical standing, making Himantoglossum robertianum a celebrated subject of study and admiration in the field of natural sciences.

Common Names

Nld: hyacintorchis
En: Giant Orchid
Ca: Mosques grosses
Nl: Hyacintorchis
Fr: Orchis géant, Orchis à longues bractées, Barlie
De: Mastorchis, Riesenknabenkraut
It: Barlia, Giglio bratteoso, Orchidea di Robert
Es: Orquídea gigante

Synonyms

• Orchis longibracteata (Biv.)
• Orchis fragrans (Ten.)
• Barlia longibracteata ((Rchb.f.) Parl.)
• Himantoglossum longibracteatum var. gallicum ((Lindl.) Schltr.)
• Aceras longibracteatum var. gallica ((Lindl.) Rchb.f.)
• Himantoglossum longibracteatum var. siculum ((Lindl.) Schltr.)
• Barlia robertiana ((Loisel.) Greuter)
• Aceras longibracteatum (Rchb.f.)
• Himantoglossum robertianum f. gallicum ((Lindl.) F.M.Vázquez)
• Loroglossum longibracteatum ((Rchb.f.) Moris ex Ardoino)
• Orchis robertiana (Loisel.)
• Aceras longibracteatum var. sicula ((Lindl.) Rchb.f.)
• Barlia longibracteata var. gallica ((Lindl.) Rouy)
• Himantoglossum robertianum f. candidum ((Soó) F.M.Vázquez)
• Himantoglossum robertianum f. siculum ((Lindl.) F.M.Vázquez)
• Orchis longibracteata var. sicula (Lindl.)
• Orchis longibracteata var. gallica (Lindl.)
• Barlia longibracteata var. sicula ((Lindl.) Rouy)
• Barlia robertiana f. sicula ((Lindl.) Hervás, De Bellard, Calzado, J.C.Huertas, Reyes Carr. & Ruíz Cano)
• Himantoglossum longibracteatum ((Rchb.f.) Schltr.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)

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 Jan 20, 2021 by Bogert Becky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2018 by MARTINE MAURICE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2018 by fournier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2018 by fournier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Haro Alberto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 19, 2020 by Buscemi Giuseppe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by Olivier Morel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2021 by Poza Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2022 by Gianni Franchi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 24, 2021 by Nicolas Koehnlein (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2022 by Dan Castello (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Marie-Jeanne Giboin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2022 by Gianni Franchi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 13, 2021 by Serge Fournier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Prospeirs Martina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2019 by Valérie (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Michel Rouhan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by tchetche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Feb 23, 2021 by anais chabe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2022 by Nath Nn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Harry Huettmann (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5324959)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1013943-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P.Delforge)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jan’, ‘feb’, ‘mar’, ‘apr’]

Soil nutriments: 5