Anacamptis (Orchis) fragrans - Bug Orchid (Orchidaceae)

Orchis fragrans

This orchid has just been moved from genus orchis to genus anacamptis.

This orchid is very similar to Anacamptis coriophora (also commonly called the Bug Orchid) and is regarded by some as an eastern-flowering subspecies of the Anacamptis coriophora that occurs further west in the Mediterranean region. The two are certainly very similar in appearance.

 

Anacamptis fragrans prefers alkaline soils and full sunshine, although it is occasionally found in open woodland. The true extent of its distribution is unknown due to confusion with Anacamptis coriophora but it certainly occurs to the south and east of Europe. It is said to occur in large colonies, but we have only ever seen solitary plants. This attractive orchid blooms in March and April.

The infloresences of Orchis fragrans

The lip of Anacamptis fragrans is longer than that of
Anacamptis coriophora and shorter than the lip of Orchis sancta,
with which it is also sometimes confused

 

The plants shown on this page were photographed in Crete in early April. It is also found in Slovenia.