Marsh Orchis

Orchis laxiflora

Physical Characteristics

Orchis laxiflora is a BULB growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 or wet soil.

Distribution

Southern Europe, including Britain, from Belgium south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitats

Lawn; Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Drink Root - cooked[2, 4, 46]. 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 Astringent Cancer Demulcent Expectorant Nutritive Used in the treatment of cancer[148]. Salep (see above for more details) is very nutritive, astringent, expectorant and demulcent[4, 240]. 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].

Known Hazards

None known