Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidias)
- We saw one of these on Cowbar grassland in 2021 and then spotted several more growing on short grass near the cliff edge in June 2022.
- They are one of the commonest orchids in the UK but much rarer in Scotland. The white version of the pyramidal orchid is very rare however.
- Its flower head is a pyramid shape, bright pinky-purple and densely packed. The flower heads can hold up to 100 blossoms.
- In the north, it flowers in June and July and attracts a range of butterflies and moths which pollinate it.
- These orchid seeds don’t store enough food to grow on their own so they team up with a mat forming fungus in the soil. In return, the orchid’s roots protect the fungus.
- It generally likes chalk grassland, sand dunes, graveyards and quarries. Recently it has begun thriving alongside motorways and ring roads, canals, marinas and was once seen growing at Stanstead airport.
- The scientific name ‘Anancamptis’ comes from the Greek meaning bent back. A couple of the pyramid orchids we found this year were leaning heavily, perhaps because of the weight of the flower head on a slender stem, but apparently the word really refers to the shape of the flower spur.
- The dried and ground orchid tuber creates a fine white powder called salep. This is a sweet, starch like substance and is very nutritious. It’s used in drinks, cereals and for making bread, as well as medicinally in diets for children and convalescents.
- The orchid is said to symbolise concentration, memory, focus and will power.
- In 2002 the pyramidal orchid was voted the county flower of the Isle of Wight.
