Orchids of the UK - Pyramidal Orchid

Orchids of the UK

 Pyramidal Orchid – Anacamptis pyramidalis

Above: A Pyramidal Orchid growing on the chalk downland of Wiltshire. ©Rob Read.

Another of our most common and widespread orchid species is the Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis. This is another species which is very easy to identify, and you will find no trouble locating it if you look in the right habitats – you may even recognise having seen it before as it has a very distinctive shape and colour. 

As its name suggests, the flower head of the plant is pyramid-shaped and bright pink in colour (although the colour of individual plants can vary from purple to white). It is a plant typically associated with chalk and limestone grassland habitats, showing a preference for warmer climates which makes it less common in Scotland. This is a species that has adapted well to the artificial environments we have created in recent times, such as roadside verges. I went to visit a friend in Somerset a few weeks ago and the verges outside Frome were carpeted with Pyramidal Orchids – a great shame there was no safe place to park so I could enjoy more than a fleeting glance. Take a look along some of the motorway verges at this time of year and see if you can spot these bright flowers – assuming you are sat in the passenger seat of course! 

Did you know that the Pyramidal Orchid is the county flower of the Isle of Wight? The chalky soils of the island and its southerly latitude make it perfect for the species. Another interesting fact about the Pyramidal Orchid is that the tuber is the source of a fine white powder called salep when dried and ground. Salep is sweet and starch-like and is used for making bread and as an additive for cereals and drinks. 

We are coming to the end of the typical flowering period for this beautiful orchid, so there is no better time than now to get out and about and see if you can find one.  

Rob Read. July 2021.