Anacamptis morio subsp. champagneuxii - Champagne Orchid

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Liliopsida - Order: Orchidales - Family: Orchidaceae

This rare subspecies of Anacamptis morio often occurs within or near to colonies of other Green-winged Orchids.

Description

At first glance the Champagne Orchid is very similar to the Green-winged Orchid and has the same green-veined 'hood' formed by the sepals, but on closer inspection there are several important differences: the overall plant is rather spindly in appearance, the flower head is lax and with fewer individual flowers than are usually found on other Green-winged Orchids. It is, however, the lip that is very different; it is longitudinally folded, and although flushed with pink-purple on the outer margins, the centre has hardly any discernible markings or is completely white.

Distribution

This member of the Anacamptis morio (Green-winged Orchid) group of orchids occurs in the western Mediterranean region. It is most commonly found in the Iberian Peninsula, but its territory extends northwards as far as southern France.

Habitat

Orchids of the Anacamptis morio group are in steep decline in their traditional strongholds of old, unimproved meadows due to the excessive use of herbicides by the farming industry. In the parts of the Mediterranean region where traditional farming methods are still used, it is possible to find large numbers of Green-winged orchids and their close relatives the Champagne Orchid and the Long-spurred Orchid Anacamptis longicornu.

These specimens were seen in the Algarve in Portugal during April.

Etymology

The genus name Anacamptis comes from the Greek anakampto, meaning 'bent back'; it refers to the shape of the flower spur. The specific epithet morio is Latin and means 'clown'. The striped and spotted flowers of the Early Purple-orchid are said to resemble the appearance generally associated with clowns., while the subspecies name champagneuxii refers to its champagne-like nature (sparkling, perhaps!).

Reference sources

The Plant List

Sue Parker (2023) Wild Orchids of the Algarve - where, when and how to find them; First Nature e-book (Amazon Kindle format)

Chris Thorogood and Simon Hiscock (2014) Field Guide to the Wildflowers of the Algarve; Kew Publishing

Pierre Delforge (2005) Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; A&C Black