Affen - Knabenkraut (Wildform)

Season Overview

Description

The orchids (Orchis) are a genus of plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). There are about 22 species of Orchis (according to Bateman 2009). All species of the genera Orchis and Dactylorhiza are strictly protected in Germany. The orchid species are perennial herbaceous plants. These geophytes form egg-shaped tubers as survival organs. One of the tubers withers during the flowering period, while the other is reserved for the next flowering period (alternating tuber). In the past, it was assumed that the species of the Orchis genus took seven to nine years from germination to the formation of the first flowers; but in fact this period is much shorter. The above-ground parts are slightly poisonous and are avoided by livestock when fresh. The stem is leafy and usually has rosette-shaped leaves at the base. It is unbranched and bears a terminal spike-like to racemose inflorescence. The stem leaves are usually sheath-shaped, elongated, and entire. The terminal inflorescence is usually multi-flowered, cylindrical, or ovoid. The sessile or stalked flowers are located in the axil of a mostly membranous bract. The hermaphroditic flowers are zygomorphic and trifoliate. The lip serves as a landing place for pollinators and is therefore directed downward. The lip usually also has a spur (exception: Orchis anthropophora). The other tepals usually form a helmet-like protection for the pollinia. The separate pollinia are long-stalked and have separate adhesive discs, but sit in a common sac (bursicula). The seeds are very numerous and very small, often only ¼ mm in size, and the thousand-grain weight is only about 0.5 to 2.5 milligrams. Because of the similarity of the two tubers to testicles, the botanical genus name Orchis comes from the Greek word όρχις orchis for "testicle." (The root tubers of Orchis species and ragwort were formerly known as Testiculi satyrii). The Greek philosopher Theophrastus of Eresos was the first naturalist to mention orchids around 300 BC. Because of the paired root tubers and their resemblance to male genitalia, he named them "Orchis" and established the idea, which was found in ancient writings for a long time, that women who ate the stronger and juicier of the two tubers would give birth to a boy. The German name "Knabenkraut" (boy's herb) is also derived from this. Other names for representatives of the genus are Stendelwurz, Stendel, and Satyrion. In accordance with the doctrine of signatures, the orchis tuber was recommended as an aphrodisiac and by Paracelsus for testicular diseases. In classical Greek mythology, Orchis, the son of a satyr and a nymph, was killed by Bacchantes. Through his father's prayers, he was transformed into a plant that now bears his name.

Growing tips

Location Light: Sunny to semi-shady, warm spots are ideal. Soil: Lime-rich, low in humus, well-drained, moderately dry to fresh. Suitable for: Nutrient-poor grassland, dry meadows, rock gardens, semi-natural areas. Planting Time: Fall or spring. Tubers: Plant shallow, soil not too nutrient-rich. Spacing: 20-30 cm, as they form small clumps. Care Watering: Only water lightly during longer dry periods. Avoid waterlogging at all costs. Fertilization: No fertilization - they prefer lean soils. Hardiness: Fully hardy down to -20 °C. Propagation: By seed (slow, requires mycorrhizal fungi). Vegetatively by tuber formation. Special features Flowering time: May to July, depending on species. Flower colors: Pink, purple, violet, often with spots or markings. Height: 20-60 cm. Species diversity: In Europe, e.g. Orchis mascula (male orchid), Orchis militaris (helmet orchid), Orchis purpurea (purple orchid). Ecological significance: Important wild orchids, often an indicator of calcareous, poor habitats.

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Plant distance

20 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

4 cm