Family: Orchidaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 941 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Orchis
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Europe to Mongolia and Afghanistan
Description
The Military orchid, known scientifically as Orchis militaris, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. Described and cataloged by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this orchid has drawn interest for centuries due to its unique characteristics and wide geographical distribution.
Its natural habitat spans across Europe to Mongolia and Afghanistan, making it a plant with a robust adaptability to various climatic conditions. The Military orchid thrives in calcareous soils, often found in grasslands, meadows, and light woodlands. Preferring sunny locations, this orchid species is typically observed in more temperate regions and can adapt to both lowland and submontane zones.
One of the most striking features of the Military orchid is its floral structure. The name “military” is derived from the helmet-like shape of the flower’s hood, which is formed by the fusion of the sepals and petals. The blooms emerge in dense spikes, displaying a palette of soft pastel hues ranging from light purple to pinkish with distinct darker spots and markings. These exquisite flowers are not only attractive but also serve a vital role in the ecosystem by attracting a variety of pollinators.
Conservation of Orchis militaris is vital as it faces threats from habitat loss and environmental changes. Ensuring the preservation of its natural habitats and promoting awareness of its ecological importance is crucial to safeguarding this enchanting orchid for future generations.
Understanding and appreciating the Military orchid involves delving into its historical botanical documentation, its ecological contributions, and its aesthetic beauty. Observing Orchis militaris in its natural setting provides a glimpse into the intricate relationships within nature, reminding us of the delicate balance required to maintain biodiversity.
Common Names
Deu: helm-knabenkraut, helm-orchis
Dan: ridder-gøgeurt
Lav: bruncepuru dzeguzpuke
Swe: johannesnycklar, soikkokämmekkä, johannes nyckelblomster, johannesnyckel
Fin: soikkokämmekkä
Nld: soldaatje
Eng: military orchid, soldier orchid
Nno: johannesnøklar
Nob: johannesnøkler
Cym: tegeirian milwrol, tegeirian y milwr, tegeiriau’r milwr
En: Military orchid, Soldier Orchid, Military Orchis
Be: Ятрышнік шлеманосны
Bg: Шлемовиден салеп
Ca: Orquídia militar, Orquis militar
Zh: 四裂红门兰, 四裂红门兰}}
Cs: Vstavač vojenský
Da: Ridder-Gøgeurt
Nl: Soldaatje
Et: Hall käpp
Fi: Soikkokämmekkä
Fr: Orchis guerrier, Orchis casqué, Orchis militaire, Capette, Casque militaire, Pentecôte, Soupe-à-vin
De: Helm-Orchidee, Helm-Knabenkraut, Helmknabenkraut, Helm-Orchis, Helmkraut
Hu: Vitézkosbor
It: Orchidea militare, Orchide militare, Giglio crestato
Kk: Телпек сүйсін
La: Orchis militaris
Lv: Bruņcepuru dzegužpuķ, Bruncepuru dzeguzpuke
Lt: Šalmuotoji gegužraibė, Salmuotoji geguzraibe
No: Johannesnøklar
Nb: Johannesnøkler
Nn: Johannesnøklar
Pl: Storczyk kukawka
Ru: Ятрышник шлемоносный
Sk: Vstavač vojenský
Es: Čeladasta kukavica
Sv: Johannesnycklar, Soikkokämmekkä, Johannes nyckelblomster, Johannesnyckel
Uk: Зозулинець шоломоносний
Cy: Tegeirian y milwr, Tegeirian Milwrol, Tegeiriau’r Milwr
Synonyms
- Orchis tephrosanthos var. militaris ((L.) Loisel.)
- Orchis militaris var. galeata ((Poir.) Lindl.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Chita (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Krym (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 28, 2020 by sylvain Blondel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Lejarazu Edorta (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2020 by NouNou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2017 by Aline Hurault (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 8, 2010 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2014 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Cristian Zanella Cristian Zanella (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Vincent Le Rouzic (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Lejarazu Edorta (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 10, 2019 by stephane piccot (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Vincent Le Rouzic (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2020 by NouNou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Lejarazu Edorta (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Roland Faynot (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Bark
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Fernand FORAY (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Sébastien Puechmaille (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/2809968)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:648875-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orchis militaris L.)