Orchis anthropophora - Man Orchid

As a result of recent molecular studies this orchid is now thought to be a member of the Orchis militaris group. Although still rather common and widespread in the Mediterranean-Atlantic area of Europe (this specimen was photographed in Southern Portugal) the Man orchid is now extremely rare in the UK.

The common name is on account of the flower's uncanny resemblance to a little figure wearing (as also in the case of the Military orchid - Orchis militaris) a helmet which is formed by the petals and sepals. The colour varies between green with brownish-red markings and a pale green with pale yellow markings.

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