Pyramidal orchid
Common name:
Pyramidal orchid
Latin:
Anacamptis pyramidalis
Irish:
Magairlín na stuaice
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flowering period:
June -August
Native:
Yes
Habitat:
calcareous grasslands and heaths, coastal grasslands, limestone pavement, and roadside verges
Conservation Status:
Locally abundant in the Burren and the Aran Islands, common in central and coastal Ireland but it is scarce in the north away from the coast
Vivid pink flowers of the pyramidal orchid form cone shaped flowering spikes which change to a cylindrical outline as flowers open. Flowers are closely packed together each one with lower lip divided into three equal parts. Leaves green, keeled, strap shaped with a pointed tip.
Locally abundant in the Burren and the Aran Islands, common in central and coastal Ireland but it is scarce in the north away from the coast
Short description:
Vivid pink orchid with a pyramidal or cone shaped flowering spike changing to a cylindrical outline as flowers open. Flowers closely packed together each one with lower lip divided into three equal parts. Leaves green, keeled, strap shaped with a pointed tip.
Noteworthy characteristics
Pyramidal shaped striking pink flowering spike with a scent sometimes described as sweet or to others as unpleasant or ‘foxy’
White forms of this orchid occur and this year I was lucky to spot one on Inis Oírr
Traditional uses and other points of interest:
No known past uses for this plant in Ireland
Personal note
I love the striking pink colour of this pretty orchid.
Classification
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