Orchis ustulata - Burnt Orchid - (Orchidaceae)

Orchis ustulata - Burnt Orchid

The Burnt Orchid is now very rare in the UK but still flourishes in parts of France and other European countries including Italy, Crete and Bulgaria. and Slovenia. It varies between 10 and 50 cm in height, and its name comes from the dark-coloured unopened buds and the 'hood' of the flower which gives the tip of the flower spike a burnt appearance. The flowers, which can number up to 80 per spike, are slightly scented.

Orchis ustulata photographed in Italy

Orchis ustulata occurs most commonly in short grassland on alkaline soils often at high altitudes.

Closeup picture of Orchis ustulata

This specimen at the top of the page was photographed in the Lot Valley, southern France, in late May, and the two other pictures were taken in the Gargano Peninsula area of Italy in mid-April.