Pyramidal Orchid
Anacamptis pyramidalis Fr: Orchis pyramidal
This striking plant is common throughout the region, and can often be seen in large groups. It's pollinated by butterflies.
Flowers. Mar-May
Flower. The flowers are grouped in a pyramidal to cylindrical flower-head. the individual flowers are purplish-pink to bright pink, and occasionally white or deep red. The flowers are 10 mm across, and have a long tail spur, 12-14 m. The upper petals and sepal form a helmet. The lower lip has 3 equal-length lobes.
Leaves. The lower leaves are narrow and linear to lance-shaped, and channeled; up 29 25 cm long at the base and decreasing in size towards the top. The uppermost leaves are narrow and clasp the stem all the way to the flower-head.
Habitat. Maquis, garrigue, grassy ground, roadsides; likes calcareous soil.
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