Orchis purpurea

Orchis purpurea, the lady orchid, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Orchis of the family Orchidaceae.

Description

[Image:Orchis purpurea plants2.jpg|thumb|left|Group of plants]
Orchis purpurea reaches on average of height. The leaves are broad and oblong-lanceolate, forming a rosette about the base of the plant and surrounding the flower spike. They are fleshy and bright green, and can be up to 15 cm long. The inflorescence is densely covered with up to 50 flowers. The sepals and upper petals are violaceous or purple. The flower's labellum is pale pink or white, with a center spotted by clusters of violaceous or purple hairs. It is divided into three lobes; the outer two are small and narrow, and the inner is large, rounded, and heart-shaped. Flowering occurs in late April to June.

Range and habitat

This orchid can be found in most parts of Europe, northern Africa, Turkey and the Caucasus. It usually grows in sloping woodlands, particularly in mixed deciduous / oak forests, but occasionally occur in meadows. It prefers limestone or chalk soil and partially shaded locations at an altitude of above sea level.

Identification

Orchis purpurea may be mistaken for the military orchid or monkey orchid. The three species often hybridize, making them difficult to identify, although the shape of the labellum is distinct to each species.

Threats

Deer, especially the muntjac, and slugs are among the greatest threats to this orchid. Human activity - woodland clearance, picking flowers or uprooting plants - is a major concern.