Orchis italica


Orchis italica, the naked man orchid or the Italian orchid, is a species of orchid native to the Mediterranean Basin. It gets its common name from the lobed lip of each flower which resembles the general shape of a naked man wearing a hat. In Italy, it is believed that the consumption of the plant is conducive to virility. It prefers partial shade and low nutrient soil, and flowers in April. Orchis italica grows up to in height, with bright pink, densely clustered flowers.

Distribution

Orchis italica is commonly found in large clusters in the Mediterranean region. It is native to southwestern Europe, southeastern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.