Lady orchid
Orchis purpurea

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. It grows 30-60 cm tall. The leaves are broad and oblong. They are bright green and can be 15 cm long. The flowering shoots are densely covered with up to 50 flowers.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows from sea level to 1,350 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Caucasus, Europe, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The bulb or tuber is used to produce sahlep - a hot drink with milk.

Edible parts

Bulb

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hasancik, Orchide maggiore, Orchis pourpre

Synonyms

Orchis brachiata Gilib.; and others