Man Orchid is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in chalk pits and chalk grassland, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
The Man Orchid takes its name from the appearance of its hooded flowers, with dangling appendages that look like a head and limbs. It grows from tubers, does not always flower annually and is now a rare sight in the UK.
Botanic classification and naming: Man Orchid is a member of the Orchid (Orchidaceae) family. The genus name
'Orchis' identifies the plant as a Orchid with paired tubers resembling 'testicles' and its species name 'anthropophora' means 'man-like plant'.
Concerns: Orchids, like wild flowers in general, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) from being removed from the wild. Specified rare orchids such as the Early Spider Orchid, Monkey Orchid and Lady's Slipper Orchid are additionally protected from picking and damage. The Man Orchid is considered to be 'endangered' in the UK.
Benefits: The Man Orchid provides nectar for pollinators and is mainly pollinated by sawflies and beetles.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
|