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Orchis Orchid
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Orchis Orchid

Orchis

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameOrchis Orchid
DescriptionClassic terrestrial orchid featuring dense spikes of hooded flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and red, each with a distinctive three-lobed lip and nectar-filled spur. Native to European meadows and woodlands, these spring-blooming beauties grow from underground tubers and display elegant spotted or plain leaves. The genus name 'Orchis' gave rise to the entire orchid family name, making these historically significant wildflowers that have been admired since ancient Greek times.
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusOrchis
TribeOrchideae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ⚥ P3+3 A1 G(3)

Bilaterally symmetrical, bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (3 sepals + 3 petals with one modified into lip), 1 stamen fused with style forming column, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary typical of Orchidaceae

Features
  • Name 'Orchis' derives from ancient Greek 'orchis' meaning testicle, referring to the paired underground tubers. This genus gave its name to the entire Orchidaceae family. Many species have common names like 'Lady Orchid,' 'Military Orchid,' or 'Monkey Orchid' based on flower resemblance
  • Flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes with 10-50 blooms. Each flower has a helmet-like hood formed by upper petals and sepals, and a three-lobed lip with a backward-pointing nectar spur. Many species are fragrant with vanilla or honey scents
  • Terrestrial perennial that grows from paired underground tubers (one old, one new forming each year). Blooms in spring (March-June depending on species). Dies back completely after flowering, remaining dormant underground until next spring
  • Height ranges from 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) depending on species. Flower spikes measure 2-8 inches long. Lifespan of individual tubers is 2-3 years, but plants persist through annual tuber replacement. Propagated by seed or tuber division
  • Native to Europe, Mediterranean region, and parts of Asia and North Africa. Found in meadows, woodlands, grasslands, and alpine areas from sea level to 2,500 meters. Many species have declined due to habitat loss and are now protected
  • Requires partial shade to full sun depending on species. Prefers well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil rich in organic matter. Cold hardy, requiring winter dormancy. Difficult to cultivate, best appreciated in natural habitats or specialized gardens
  • Historically, tubers were harvested to make 'salep,' a nutritious flour used in beverages and ice cream, leading to overharvesting. Now protected in many regions. Important pollinator plants. Some species can hybridize naturally, creating identification challenges

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificOrchis
English (Alternate)Early Purple Orchid, Lady Orchid, Military Orchid, and Spotted Orchid
Hindiऑर्किस ऑर्किड (Orkis Orkiḍ)
Tamilஆர்கிஸ் ஆர்க்கிட் (Ārkis Ārkiṭ)
Teluguఆర్కిస్ ఆర్కిడ్ (Ārkis Ārikiḍ)
Malayalamഓർക്കിസ് ഓർക്കിഡ് (Ōrkis Ōrkiḍ)
Kannadaಆರ್ಕಿಸ್ ಆರ್ಕಿಡ್ (Ārkis Ārkiḍ)
Sanskritवृषकन्दपुष्पम् (Vṛṣakandapuṣpam)
Bengaliঅর্কিস অর্কিড (Arkisa arkiḍa)
Frenchorchis
Russianятрышник (yatryshnik)
Spanishorquídea orchis
GermanKnabenkraut

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.