Green-winged Orchid

This year I was introduced to a large colony of Green-winged Orchids Anacamptis morio (Fr. Orchis bouffon) that I previously had no idea existed. As is often the case with this species, the colony is associated with old vineyards. Once upon a time the south facing slopes above Yzeures sur Creuse were planted with vines. Now the vines have gone, but the orchids which grew amongst them remain.

The inflorescences are made up of a maximum of about 20 flowers, which can range in colour from violet to purple to lilac pink or even white. The petals form a cap which is faintly striped with grey-green on the outside. The wide labellum has a pale centre, often spotted with purple. The nectar spur is short, thick, flattened and dimpled at the tip.

This is a species that flowers early in the season, which is April here in the Touraine.

It grows in full sun in natural grassland, woodland edges and clearings.

Its natural distribution is vast, from Iran to Norway, and all of the Mediterranean basin.

In the Touraine the species is not threatened although habitat destruction must be a concern. In Asia Minor colonies can be wiped out because the bulbs are used commercially to make salep, a flour made from the tubers that is used to make drinks and ice cream.