Lady orchid (Orchis purpurea, Fl. Angl.: 334 (1762))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Huds.

Bibliography: Fl. Angl.: 334 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Orchis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to C. Türkiye, NE. Algeria

Description

The Lady Orchid, known scientifically as Orchis purpurea, belongs to the renowned Orchidaceae family and is appreciated for both its delicate beauty and ecological importance. First described by Huds. in the 1762 publication “Flora Anglica” (Fl. Angl.: 334), this species has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.

Native to a broad range spanning Europe to Central Türkiye and Northeast Algeria, the Lady Orchid thrives in varied habitats. Its adaptability is evident as it flourishes in meadows, light woodlands, and calcareous soils, showcasing its resilience and versatile nature.

The plant is notable for its striking inflorescence, which comprises densely packed, tall spikes of flowers. Each individual flower is a work of art, presenting a mix of purples, whites, and sometimes pink hues. The lower lip of the flower, often speckled or marked with contrasting colors, adds to the orchid’s charm and intricate beauty. The flowers’ structure is designed not only for visual appeal but also to facilitate pollination by attracting a variety of insect pollinators.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Orchis purpurea plays a critical role in its ecosystem. By contributing to the biodiversity of its native regions, it supports pollinators and maintains the health of its native habitats. Conservation efforts are essential for this species, as habitat loss and environmental changes pose significant threats to its populations.

The Lady Orchid’s enchanting appearance and ecological significance make it a subject of continued study and admiration within the botanical community. Its presence across diverse regions highlights the plant’s robust adaptability and the interconnectedness of natural habitats across Europe and beyond.

Common Names

Deu: purper-knabenkraut, purpur-knabenkraut, purpur-orchis
Dan: stor gøgeurt
Eng: lady orchid
Fra: orchis pourpré
Nld: purperorchis
Pol: storczyk purpurowy
Nno: purpurnøklar
Nob: purpurnøkler
Swe: stornycklar
Cym: tegeirian gwraig, tegeirian ysblennydd
En: Lady Orchid
Ar: سحلب أرجواني
Az: Purpur səhləb
Bg: Пурпурен салеп
Ca: Orquis purpuri
Cs: Vstavač nachový
Da: Stor Gøgeurt
Nl: Bruine orchis, Purperorchis
Eo: Purpura orkido
Fi: Hilkkakämmekkä
Fr: Orchis pourpré, Orchis pourpre, Casque, Grivollée, Orchis casque
De: Purpur-Knabenkraut, Purper-Knabenkraut, Purpur-Orchis, Braunrote Orchis, Purpur Knabenkraut, Purpur Orchid
Hu: Bíboros kosbor
It: Orchidea maggiore, Orchide maggiore
No: Purpurnøklar
Nb: Purpurnøkler
Nn: Purpurnøklar
Fa: ثعلب ارغوانی
Pl: Storczyk purpurowy
Ru: Ятрышник пурпурный
Sk: Vstavač purpurový
Es: Orquídea púrpura, Škrlatnordeča kukavica
Sv: Stornycklar
Uk: Зозулинець пурпуровий
Cy: Tegeirian ysblennydd, Tegeirian Gwraig
: Brown orchid

Synonyms

• Orchis militaris subsp. purpurea ((Huds.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Orchis purpurea f. vulgaris (Leimbach)
• Orchis militaris var. purpurea ((Huds.) Huds.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 16, 2018 by Laureline Petit-Bagnard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Antoine le Clercq (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2018 by francis serre (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2018 by orsatus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2017 by Eleonore Gambetti (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by leo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2020 by Boyero Arantxa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Gui ferl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by xxx marie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Pierre Meunier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2020 by Pierre Boissier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by leo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 23, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2020 by Vincent marchal (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 10, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Patrick VIDAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 16, 2021 by Henri Tison (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2021 by Dam Dub (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by srta. velasques (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by David Michelante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Hélène (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2019 by Thomas Silvestre (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Emilie Bernard (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:649036-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8794742)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orchis purpurea Huds.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]