Wohlriechende hndelwurz (Gymnadenia odoratissima, De Orchid. Eur.: 35 (1817))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (L.) Rich.

Bibliography: De Orchid. Eur.: 35 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gymnadenia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

Wohlriechende hndelwurz, known scientifically as Gymnadenia odoratissima, is a fascinating and aromatic orchid native to Europe. This exquisite plant belongs to the Orchidaceae family, renowned for its diverse and often spectacular members.

Gymnadenia odoratissima was first systematically described in 1817, an entry that holds significant importance in botanical literature. The prominent figure behind its detailed classification is the esteemed author (L.) Rich., who contributed to the foundational understanding of European orchids through his work “De Orchid. Eur.: 35.”

This orchid species thrives in various parts of Europe, flourishing in meadows and open woodlands. The habitat preference illustrates its adaptability to different environmental conditions, making it a plant of interest for botanists and orchid enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of Wohlriechende hndelwurz is its enchanting fragrance, which justifies its common name, translating to “fragrant” in English. The pleasant scent is an integral characteristic, contributing to its allure and recognition among the myriad of orchid species.

In appearance, Gymnadenia odoratissima typically showcases a series of delicate, tubular flowers arranged in an elegant spike. The flowers often exhibit subtle hues of pink or white, embodying a natural grace that adds to the plant’s charm. This visual appeal, combined with its remarkable aroma, underscores the Wohlriechende hndelwurz’s place as a celebrated member of the Orchidaceae family.

In conclusion, the Gymnadenia odoratissima, or Wohlriechende hndelwurz, stands out not just for its botanical significance but also for its sensory appeal. As a European native, it forms part of the rich floral tapestry of the continent, offering both beauty and fragrance to those who encounter it.

Common Names

Deu: wohlriechende händelwurz, wohlriechende nacktdruese
Swe: luktsporre, doftyxne, luktsporreblomma
Eng: short spurred fragrant orchid, scented gymnadenia
Nld: welriekende muggenorchis
Nno: duftspore
Nob: duftspore
En: Wohlriechende Hndelwurz, Short-spurred Fragrant orchid, Short spurred fragrant orchid, Scented Gymnadenia
Be: Ядрушка духмяная
Cs: Pětiprstka vonná
Nl: Welriekende muggenorchis
Et: Lõhnav käoraamat
Fi: Tuoksukirkiruoho
Fr: Orchis odorant, Gymnadénie Odorante, Gymnadène très odorante, Gymnadenie odorante
De: Wohlriechende Händelwurz, Wohlriechende Nacktdruese, Duft-Händelwurz, Wohlriechende Handwurz
Hu: Illatos bibircsvirág
It: Manina profumata
Lt: Kvapusis plauretis
No: Duftspore
Nb: Duftspore
Nn: Duftspore
Pl: Gółka wonna
Ru: Кокушник ароматнейший
Es: Flor mosquito, Orquídea olorosa
Sv: Luktsporre, Doftyxne, Luktsporreblomma
Uk: Билинець найзапашніший
: Wohlriechende hndelwurz

Synonyms

• Gymnadenia suaveolens (Rchb.f.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. macrocheilea (Westerl.)
• Gymnadenia heteroglossa ((Rchb.f.) E.G.Camus)
• Satyrium odoratissimum ((L.) Wahlenb.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. suaveolens ((Rchb.f.) Nyman)
• Orchis conopsea subsp. odoratissima ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Orchis odoratissima (L.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. carpathica (Simonk.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. borealis (Rchb.f.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima subsp. longicalcarata (C.E.Hermos. & Sabando)
• Gymnadenia conopsea subsp. pyrenaica ((Philippe) K.Richt.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima subsp. suaveolens ((Vill.) Gand.)
• Orchis erubescens (Zucc.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima f. stenostachya ((Schltr.) Soó)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima f. carpathica ((Simonk.) Soó)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. heteroglossa (Rchb.f.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima f. borealis ((Rchb.f.) Soó)
• Gymnadenia rhodopea (Formánek)
• Gymnadenia pyrenaica ((Philippe) Giraudias)
• Habenaria odoratissima ((L.) Franch.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. idea (Goiran)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. ecalcarata (Rchb.f.)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. stenostachya (Schltr.)
• Orchis pyrenaica (Philippe)
• Gymnadenia odoratissima var. pyrenaica ((Philippe) P.Delforge)
• Gymnadenia conopsea var. pyrenaica ((Philippe) Nyman)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

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

Flower

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by giuseppe fincati (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2014 by Lennart Agestam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2014 by Lennart Agestam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2014 by Lennart Agestam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2014 by Lennart Agestam (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 11, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2019 by LUCIO TAVERNA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2014 by Lennart Agestam (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 14, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:636568-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2840474)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gymnadenia odoratissima (L.) Rich.)

Specifications

Growth

Light: 7

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2