Marsh orchis, Jersey orchid, Lax-flowered orchid
Orchis laxiflora
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
A tall ground orchid. It grows 30-50 cm high. There are 3-8 leaves scattered along the stem. None of the leaves sheath the stem. The leaves are narrow and pointed. The bracts are sword shaped and have 3-5 veins. The often have a flush of pink or purple. The flowers occur as 10-20 in a loose cluster. They are red-purple or violet.
There are about 33 Orchis species.
Where it is found
It grows in marshy ground and damp meadows. It can be near streams or in damp sandy locations.
Countries/locations it is found in
Balkans, Britain, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Salep sumbulu