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Description
Orchis Mascula Subsp. Speciosa, also known as the Showy Orchis or the Early Purple Orchid, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa and is known for its beautiful purple flowers that bloom in early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Orchis |
Appearance
The Showy Orchis has a single stem that can grow up to 50cm tall. Its leaves are lanceolate and grow in a rosette at the base of the stem. The flowers are arranged in a dense cylindrical spike and are dark purple with a white lip. The lip is often spotted with purple and has a distinctive three-lobed shape. The flowers bloom in early spring and are pollinated by bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
To care for the Showy Orchis, it is important to provide it with the following:
Water: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season. It prefers moist but well-drained soil.
Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but adding a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in the spring can promote healthy growth.
Soil: The plant prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness Zones: The Showy Orchis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Showy Orchis is relatively disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if grown in damp conditions. It is also susceptible to aphids, which can be controlled with a mild insecticide.
Habitat
The Showy Orchis is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodland edges, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Showy Orchis be grown indoors?
A: The Showy Orchis is not well-suited for indoor growth and should be grown outdoors in a suitable habitat.
Q: Can the Showy Orchis be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, the Showy Orchis can be propagated from seed, but it can take several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Q: Can the Showy Orchis be divided?
A: Yes, the Showy Orchis can be divided in the fall when the plant is dormant.
Q: Is the Showy Orchis toxic?
A: No, the Showy Orchis is not toxic to humans or animals.
Related Plants
Some related plants to the Showy Orchis include:
- Orchis Morio
- Orchis Purpurea
- Orchis Simia
- Orchis Italica
References
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17598/orchis-mascula-subsp-speciosa/details
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/orchids/showy-orchis-early-purple-orchid.htm
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/orchis_mascula_subsp_speciosa.shtml
