Andalucia Life Fauna and Flora, Flowers of Andalucia Southern Spain

September 2004, Naked Man Orchid, Orchis italica

Derived from the Greek name Orkhis, the orchid family is the largest within the plant kingdom, incorporating over 20,000 different species, mainly native to Asia, Central and South America.

The UK has around 50 native species, Spain has over 80, most of which can be found in Andalucia. Orchids growing in the ground as opposed to on tree branches, enjoy a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi. The fungi provide nutrients to the orchid who in return use their green leaves to provide glucose for the fungi.

With a flower spike up to 50 cms tall and often occurring in dense clumps, the Naked Man Orchid is a distinctive plant. The flowers are borne in dense heads, pale pink in colour with darker veins on the hood. The lip of each flower is divided into segments that resemble arms and legs, hence the flower's name and they open from the bottom of the spike upwards. It is widespread in this region, favouring grassy slopes and maquis. It can be mistaken for the Monkey Orchid that is the same colour but with a smaller flower spike and flowers that open from the top of the spike down. This specimen was seen at Grazalema and is one to keep an eye open for between March and late May.