Family: Orchidaceae
Author: R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase (Poir.)
Bibliography: Lindleyana 12: 122 (1997)
Year: 1997
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Neotinea
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. & E. Medit.
Description
The Milky Orchid, known scientifically as Neotinea lactea, is a captivating plant belonging to the esteemed family Orchidaceae. This striking orchid was studied in detail by R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon, and M.W. Chase, whose findings were published in the 1997 edition of Lindleyana. The detailed study provided an extensive insight into its unique characteristics and habitat preferences.
Neotinea lactea is predominantly observed in the western and eastern Mediterranean regions, where it thrives. This geographic distribution highlights its adaptability to a variety of Mediterranean climates, which range from temperate coastal environments to more arid inland areas. The Milky Orchid flourishes during a specific flowering season, during which its blooms can captivate plant enthusiasts and botanists alike.
The Milky Orchid is appreciated for its delicate appearance and its ecological significance within its native habitat. This perennial plant often graces grasslands, open woodlands, and rocky terrains with its presence, adding to the biodiversity and ecological balance of these regions. The flowers of Neotinea lactea are typically notable for their milky or pale hue, which complements the orchid’s name and adds to its visual allure.
Conservation efforts are paramount for ensuring that this species continues to thrive in its natural habitat, especially given the ecological pressures and habitat disruptions occurring in many parts of the Mediterranean. Researchers and conservationists may rely on documented studies like those by Bateman, Pridgeon, and Chase to develop informed strategies to protect and sustain populations of the Milky Orchid.
In summary, Neotinea lactea (Milky Orchid) is more than just an aesthetically pleasing plant; it is a crucial component of the Mediterranean’s flora, studied and named by notable botanists and firmly entrenched in scientific literature. This orchid continues to intrigue and inspire both scientific exploration and conservation initiatives.
Common Names
En: Milky Orchid
Fr: Orchis couleur de lait, Orchis lacté
De: Milchweißes Knabenkraut
It: Orchide aguzza
: Milky orchid
Synonyms
- Orchis tridentata f. tenoreana ((Guss.) Soó)
- Orchis lactea var. hanrici ((Hénon) Maire & Weiller)
- Neotinea lactea subsp. corsica ((Viv.) Kreutz)
- Orchis tridentata var. hanrici ((Hénon) Maire & Weiller)
- Orchis lactea subsp. acuminata ((Desf.) Rivas Goday)
- Orchis tridentata var. acuminata ((Desf.) Gren. & Godr.)
- Neotinea corsica ((Viv.) W.Foelsche)
- Orchis tridentata subsp. lactea ((Poir.) K.Richt.)
- Neotinea lactea f. hanrii ((Jord.) P.Delforge)
- Orchis hanrici (Hénon)
- Orchis acuminata (Desf.)
- Odontorchis lactea ((Poir.) D.Tyteca & E.Klein)
- Orchis tenoreana (Guss.)
- Orchis lactea (Poir.)
- Orchis hanrii (Jord.)
- Orchis lactea subsp. minuscula (A.Alibertis)
- Orchis tridentata subsp. hanryi ((Jord.) Rouy)
- Neotinea lactea var. corsica ((Viv.) P.Delforge)
- Orchis variegata var. acuminata ((Desf.) Boiss.)
- Orchis tridentata var. tenoreana ((Guss.) Rchb.f.)
- Orchis tridentata var. hanrii ((Jord.) Sigunov)
- Orchis corsica (Viv.)
- Neotinea lactea f. minuscula ((A.Alibertis) P.Delforge)
- Orchis lactea subsp. corsica ((Viv.) Kreutz)
- Orchis tridentata subsp. acuminata ((Desf.) Douin)
- Orchis tridentata f. acuminata ((Desf.) Soó)
- Orchis tridentata var. lactea ((Poir.) Rchb.f.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 14, 2019 by iannizzotto michele (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2019 by Christina Dollinger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 15, 2014 by Philippe Macquet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 15, 2014 by Philippe Macquet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2019 by anne Perdereau (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2022 by marc parís musolas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by abdelbadia redouani (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 26, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 26, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2003 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
© 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/2812434)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:998312-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Neotinea lactea (Poir.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 9.0
Ph minimum: 8.0
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’]
Soil nutriments: 2
