Anacamptis pyramidalis var. nivea - Pyramidal Orchid, white variant - (Orchidaceae)

Anacamptis pytamidalis var nivea

The white variant of the Pyramidal Orchid occurs in the same kinds of places as the pink Pyramidal Orchid, but it is rarely seen although it has been recorded as having established stable colonies. The flowers are pure white and the spur is somewhat shorter than that of the pink flower.

The pink Pyramidal Orchid is widespread and occurs in vast numbers in some locations, and so it is always worth looking out for a white variant since they appear in the same habitats and at the same time. We have not seen this variant of the Pyramidal Orchid in the UK, but there are colonies to be found in Greece and in Italy.

The specimen shown above was photographed in the Lot Valley, France, in late May.