About Anacamptis pyramidalis var. pyramidalis
Anacamptis pyramidalis var. pyramidalis is a hardy orchid that typically grows 10 to 25 centimeters (3.9 to 9.8 inches) tall, and may reach a maximum height of 60 centimeters (24 inches). It has an erect, unbranched stem. Its basal leaves are linear-lanceolate with parallel venation, growing up to 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) long, while the leaves that grow along the stem are shorter and barely visible. The plant's hermaphroditic flowers grow in a distinctive compact pyramidal shape, which gives the orchid its common name. Flower color ranges from pink to purple, and is rarely white; the flower scent is described as "foxy". Flowers have six tepals: three small sepals and three petals. Two small petals are positioned on the sides, while the third lower petal (called the labellum) is large and divided into three lobes. A tubular spur around 1.5 centimeters (0.59 inches) long grows at the back of the flower, and the labellum has two small lateral flaps. Its flowering season runs from April through July. This orchid requires full sun and grows in a range of soil types, including loam, clay, and even very alkaline soil. It can be found growing in meadows, grassland, sand dunes, maquis, and dry, well-exposed slopes, at altitudes from sea level up to around 1,600 meters or more (approximately 0 to 5,250 feet). In the United Kingdom, this species successfully colonizes disturbed soil and grows in a wide variety of locations, including road verges, reservoirs, quarries, and airfields. It is native to southwestern Eurasia, ranging from western Europe through the Mediterranean region eastward to Iran. In Germany, the species is rare, and it was named Orchid of the Year in 1990 to raise public awareness of it. It is especially common on the Isle of Wight in southern England, where it was designated the county plant in 2008. On the Isle of Wight, it prefers chalky or sandstone-rich soil, and is easily found on the Downland and cliffs to the west and south of the island. The flowers are pollinated by butterflies and moths. Their flower structure is well adapted to the proboscis of Lepidoptera, especially species in the genera Euphydryas, Melanargia, Melitaea, Pieris, and Zygaena. The mechanism that allows pairs of pollinia from this orchid to attach to an insect's proboscis was discovered by Charles Darwin, who described it in his book Fertilisation of Orchids. Research suggests that Anacamptis pyramidalis forms mycorrhizal relationships with fungi in the genera Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Papulaspora. Dried and ground tubers from various Orchis and Anacamptis species, including this one, are processed into a fine white powder called salep. Salep is a very nutritious, sweet starch-like substance. It is used in drinks, cereals, and bread making, and it is used to make ice cream in Turkey. Historically, it was also used medicinally as part of diets for children and people recovering from illness.
