Bug Orchis

Orchis coriophora

Basic Information

Family: Orchidaceae

Genus: orchis

Plant ID (slug): orchis-coriophora

Numeric ID: 19862

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Orchis coriophora is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

C. Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Lawn; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Drink Root - cooked. It is a source of 'salep', a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder[2, 105, 177]. Salep is a starch-like substance with a sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell[4]. It is said to be very nutritious and is made into a drink or can be added to cereals and used in making bread etc[100, 183]. One ounce of salep is said to be enough to sustain a person for a day[100, 115].

Medicinal Uses

Antiflatulent Demulcent Nutritive Salep (see above for more details) is very nutritive and demulcent[4]. It has been used as a diet of special value for children and convalescents, being boiled with water, flavoured and prepared in the same way as arrowroot[4]. Rich in mucilage, it forms a soothing and demulcent jelly that is used in the treatment of irritations of the gastro-intestinal canal[4]. One part of salep to fifty parts of water is sufficient to make a jelly[4]. The tuber, from which salep is prepared, should be harvested as the plant dies down after flowering and setting seed[4].