Orchis simia
Monkey orchid (Orchis Simia )
The monkey orchid (Orchis Simia ) is a flowering plant in the orchid family ( Orchidaceae). The species-specific epithet " Simia " is Latin and means monkey or ape after the blooms in fact look like small, upright apes.
Description
The Monkey orchid is a perennial, herbaceous plant that reaches the plant height of 20 to 45 centimeters. The two to five arranged in a rosette leaves are unspotted and up to 20 cm long.
The oval-shaped inflorescence is dichtblütig. Sepals and petals form a helmet, outside whitish- pink, purple dots inside. Lip 15-20 mm long, distinctly three-lobed, middle lobe deeply divided into two parts with a short appendage in the middle. Lateral lobes and tip of the middle lobe very narrow, pale to bright pink colored. Center of the lip whitish with fine dots. Spur cylindrical, bent downward. There are pure white or almost pure white copies. Typical of this type is the blossoming from top to bottom. Bloom time is from mid-April to late May.
Dissemination
It occurs in the Mediterranean region, and there are isolated occurrences in western and central Europe, Asia Minor, Iran, Caucasus and North Africa.
In Germany, mainly to be found only in the warmer regions along the Rhine. In Switzerland, in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. The tendency to spread, as it was observed in the Bocks- belt tongue and various domestic Ragwurzen is to identify previously in this type only the start.
Hybrids
With closely related species such as the military orchid (Orchis military men ). Hybrids of this type are difficult to determine. The flowers form closely approximates the Monkey orchid. Sure sign of a hybrid is the blossoming from bottom to top. It hybridizes with the Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea), the Ohnsporn ( Aceras anthropophorum ) and other species of the Orchis militaris - form circle (see orchids (Orchis ) ).
Endangering
The species is endangered due to their rarity, especially in its northern distribution areas.
Gallery
Habit
Inflorescence
Orchis Simia in Orjen, Montenegro