Dactylorhiza incarnata
Flesh -colored orchid ( Dactylorhiza incarnata )
The flesh -colored orchid ( Dactylorhiza incarnata ), rarely also called Steifblättriges orchid, belonging to the genus orchids ( Dactylorhiza ) of the orchid family ( Orchidaceae).
Description
The flesh -colored orchid is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches the plant height of 20 to 60 centimeters. The Geophyt forms palmately divided tubers as outlasting. The four to seven leaves are stiff erect, rarely reflexed, narrowly lanceolate, light green, to 20 cm long and 3 cm wide. The lower leaves are widest. The inflorescence is 5-12 cm long. The bracts are longer than the petals. The zygomorphic flowers are flesh-colored, occasionally pale pink. The lateral sepals ( sepals ) are steeply erected, somewhat less than 10 mm long, about 3 mm wide. The petals ( petals ) tend up to a helmet. The lip has a loop pattern on, more rarely, a dot pattern, and is 5-8 mm long, about as wide, mostly entire. The spur is up to 10 mm long, and tapered. The Central European heyday of flesh -colored boys herb starts in early to mid-May and ends in mid-June.
Distribution and occurrence
Rare in Germany mainly in Bavaria, Baden -Württemberg, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, in the other provinces. The species is regarded in Germany as endangered and is on the red list of endangered species ( category 2). In Switzerland, yet common, rare or absent only in areas with intensive use.
Occurs in wetlands and low - and intermediate fens and preferably alkaline soils. Widespread in Central Europe and a little beyond, to the northern Ukraine.
Hybrids
Very often hybrids with the broadleaf orchid ( Dactylorhiza majalis ). Other hybrids with the elder - orchid ( Dactylorhiza sambucina ), Traun Steiner orchid ( Dactylorhiza traunsteineri ) and the spotted orchid ( Dactylorhiza maculata ) is formed. These are usually difficult to determine.
Ecology
This type is more demanding than the broad-leaved marsh orchid ( Dactylorhiza majalis ). When changes in the biotope it disappears quickly.