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Green-winged Orchid

Anacamptis morio

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Asparagales

Family:

Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Also in this family:

Autumn Lady's Tresses, Bee Orchid, Birdsnest Orchid, Bog Orchid, Broad-leaved Helleborine, Burnt Orchid, Common Fragrant Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Common Twayblade, Coralroot Orchid, Creeping Lady's Tresses, Dark Red Helleborine, Dense-flowered Orchid, Dune Helleborine, Early Marsh Orchid, Early Purple Orchid, Early Spider Orchid, Fen Orchid, Fly Orchid, Frog Orchid, Ghost Orchid, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Green-flowered Helleborine, Heart-flowered Tongue Orchid, Heath Fragrant Orchid, Heath Spotted Orchid, Hebridean Marsh Orchid, Irish Lady's Tresses, Irish Marsh Orchid, Lady Orchid, Lady's-slipper Orchid, Late Spider Orchid, Lesser Butterfly Orchid, Lesser Twayblade, Lindisfarne Helleborine, Lizard Orchid, Man Orchid, Marsh Fragrant Orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Military Orchid, Monkey Orchid, Musk Orchid, Narrow-leaved Helleborine, Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid, Narrow-lipped Helleborine, Northern Marsh Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Red Helleborine, Small White Orchid, Small-flowered Tongue Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid, Tongue Orchid, Violet Helleborine, Wasp Orchid, White Helleborine, Young's Helleborine

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

30 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Cliffs, fields, gardens, grassland, meadows, roadsides, sand dunes, sea cliffs, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:

Pink, 5 petals

Loosely spiked cluster of pink, purple, or occasionally white flowers. Can be identified instantly by the purple stripes on the 3 sepals which later turn dark green. Similar looking in appearance to the Early Purple Orchid, however the Early Purple Orchid does not have these stripes.

Fruit:

Green-winged Orchids do not produce fruits in the traditional sense, as orchids typically reproduce through small, dust-like seeds. The reproductive structures of orchids are specialized and involve the production of minute seeds that rely on fungi for germination and growth. Instead of traditional fruits, orchids have unique structures like capsules that release these tiny seeds into the environment.

Leaves:

The leaves of the Green-winged Orchid are typically lance-shaped with a smooth texture. They are often bright green and form a basal rosette close to the ground. The leaves may have distinct parallel veins, and their size can vary, reaching lengths of around 5 to 15 centimetres. The foliage contributes to the overall appearance of the orchid plant, and its green color provides a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers when in bloom. The leaves are not spotted, unlike the Early Purple Orchid.

Aroma:

The Green-winged Orchid is not particularly known for having a strong aroma. Orchids, in general, are not renowned for their fragrances as some other flowers might be. The emphasis on orchids typically lies in their intricate and visually appealing blossoms rather than in any significant scent. Therefore, the Green-winged Orchid is appreciated more for its visual beauty rather than for any distinctive fragrance.

Other Names:

Green-veined Orchid.

Frequency (UK):

Rarely seen

Early Purple Orchid

Summary

Anacamptis morio, also known as the Green-winged Orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to Europe and Asia. It typically blooms in late spring or early summer, with spikes of pink or purple flowers that have green wing-like markings on the lip. It is commonly found in grassy meadows, and on road verges and wastelands. This species is considered as threatened in some countries due to habitat loss and degradation. It is a protected species in some countries and it is important to not pick or disturb the plants in the wild. This species is a member of the genus Anacamptis, which includes many other species of orchids that are also known for their showy flowers.

Blog

The Green-winged Orchid, scientifically known as Anacamptis morio, is a strikingly beautiful flowering plant that is native to Europe, including the British Isles. This stunning orchid is a popular subject for photographers and nature lovers alike, and is one of the most well-known species of orchid in Europe.

The Green-winged Orchid is a small to medium-sized plant that grows to a height of between 15-30cm. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and grow in a rosette at the base of the stem. The stem of the Green-winged Orchid is slender and upright, and bears a spike of small, densely packed flowers that are usually pinkish-purple or lilac in colour. The flowers are often marked with darker spots and stripes, and have distinctive greenish-yellow wings on either side of the central column.

The Green-winged Orchid blooms from late April to June, and is most commonly found in grassy meadows, pastures, and woodland clearings. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients, and can be found at elevations ranging from sea level to mountainous regions.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Green-winged Orchid is its unique reproductive strategy. Like all orchids, the Green-winged Orchid relies on insects for pollination. However, unlike many other plants, the Green-winged Orchid does not produce nectar to attract pollinators. Instead, it produces a scent that is similar to that of female solitary bees, which attracts male bees looking to mate. When the male bee attempts to mate with the flower, it picks up a packet of pollen known as a pollinium, which it carries to the next flower it visits, pollinating the plant in the process.

Despite its popularity among nature enthusiasts, the Green-winged Orchid is facing a number of threats to its survival. Habitat loss, through the destruction of grasslands and woodland clearings, is one of the main factors contributing to the decline of this species. In addition, climate change is causing changes in the timing of flowering, which can disrupt the plant's pollination cycles. Finally, the Green-winged Orchid is also threatened by the illegal collection of plants for use in the horticultural trade.

Fortunately, a number of conservation efforts are currently underway to protect the Green-winged Orchid and other endangered plant species. These efforts include the restoration of degraded habitats, the establishment of protected areas, and the monitoring of populations to assess their health and stability.

The Green-winged Orchid has been used for medicinal purposes in the past. The root of the plant was used to make a tea that was thought to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, due to its rarity and declining population, the plant is now protected by law in many countries, and it is illegal to harvest or use the plant for any purpose.

The Green-winged Orchid is also an important species for biodiversity. The plant provides a habitat and a food source for a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths. The plant is also a host for several species of orchid-specific moths, which rely on the plant for their survival.

One interesting feature of the Green-winged Orchid is that it is a variable species, with different populations displaying different characteristics. For example, some populations of the plant have flowers that are almost entirely purple, while others have flowers that are predominantly white with purple markings. This variability is thought to be the result of differences in environmental conditions, such as soil nutrients and sunlight exposure.

If you're interested in seeing the Green-winged Orchid in the wild, there are several places in Europe where it can be found. In the UK, the plant can be seen in meadows and woodland clearings in southern England, including the New Forest and the South Downs National Park. It can also be found in parts of Europe, including France, Germany, and Italy.

One interesting cultural aspect of the Green-winged Orchid is its association with folklore and mythology. In some parts of Europe, the plant was believed to have magical properties and was used in love potions and spells. It was also thought to have protective qualities and was used to ward off evil spirits.

In addition to its cultural significance, the Green-winged Orchid is also important for its ecological role. As a native species, the plant is adapted to the local environment and provides important habitat and food for a variety of insects and other animals. By supporting the Green-winged Orchid and other native plant species, we can help to maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensure that they continue to provide important services such as pollination, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration.

Finally, it's worth noting that while the Green-winged Orchid is a beautiful and fascinating plant species, it is also just one of many endangered plant species around the world. By supporting conservation efforts and working to protect all endangered plant species, we can help to preserve the rich biodiversity of our planet and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all.

25 Amazing Facts about the Green-winged Orchid

The scientific name of the Green-winged Orchid is Anacamptis morio.
The plant is native to Europe, including the British Isles.
The Green-winged Orchid grows to a height of between 15-30cm.
The leaves of the plant are narrow and lance-shaped.
The flowers of the plant are usually pinkish-purple or lilac in colour and have distinctive greenish-yellow wings on either side of the central column.
The plant blooms from late April to June.
The Green-winged Orchid is most commonly found in grassy meadows, pastures, and woodland clearings.
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients.
The plant is pollinated by male solitary bees.
The Green-winged Orchid does not produce nectar to attract pollinators but produces a scent that is similar to that of female solitary bees.
The plant is facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and illegal collection.
The plant has been used for medicinal purposes in the past, but is now protected by law.
The Green-winged Orchid provides habitat and food for a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths.
The plant is a host for several species of orchid-specific moths.
The Green-winged Orchid is a variable species, with different populations displaying different characteristics.
The plant is found in several countries in Europe, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy.
The Green-winged Orchid has cultural significance in some parts of Europe and was used in love potions and spells.
The plant is important for its ecological role, providing important habitat and food for a variety of insects and other animals.
Supporting the Green-winged Orchid and other native plant species can help to maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems.
The plant is just one of many endangered plant species around the world.
Supporting conservation efforts can help to preserve the rich biodiversity of our planet.
The Green-winged Orchid is a small to medium-sized orchid.
The plant is most commonly found in open habitats with short vegetation.
The Green-winged Orchid is a winter-green plant, which means it retains its leaves during the winter.
The plant is protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to harvest or use it for any purpose.

The Green-winged Orchid is a beautiful and fascinating plant species that is native to Europe. The plant grows to a height of between 15-30cm and has pinkish-purple or lilac flowers with greenish-yellow wings. The plant is pollinated by male solitary bees and provides habitat and food for a variety of insects and other animals. The Green-winged Orchid is facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and illegal collection, and is now protected by law in many countries. By supporting conservation efforts and working to protect all endangered plant species, we can help to preserve the rich biodiversity of our planet and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all.