Herminium monorchis
Herminium monorchis (Orchidaceae) 189 23
Herminium monorchis name reflects the orchids characteristic single tuber. Every year the existing tuber develops a new one at the end of a lengthy stolon and it's this that produces the next years plant. As a consequence of this, the orchid grows in a slightly different position each season and for this reason it is often referred to as a migratory orchid.
This species is not one of the orchid worlds most striking representatives being both small in stature, plain in color and without a particularly impressive form, it is however highly attractive to insects and is known to be visited by a wide range of pollinators. Notwithstanding this, seed production is low and propagation is largely by means of vegetative spread. Herminium monorchis has a distinctive scent which probably accounts for its popularity with insects. Its common name in Britain is "Musk Orchid" but this does the species little justice as the scent has a characteristic honey fragrance.
Herminium monorchis has a wide distribution throughout temperate Europe and has a similarly wide variety of habitat preferences ranging from dry grassland to fens and moist dune slacks. It is a small plant which although easily overlooked, generally grows in significant colonies.
Source: John and Gerry's Orchids of Britain and Europe
Herminium monorchis
Herminium monorchis (Orchidaceae) 189 23
Herminium monorchis name reflects the orchids characteristic single tuber. Every year the existing tuber develops a new one at the end of a lengthy stolon and it's this that produces the next years plant. As a consequence of this, the orchid grows in a slightly different position each season and for this reason it is often referred to as a migratory orchid.
This species is not one of the orchid worlds most striking representatives being both small in stature, plain in color and without a particularly impressive form, it is however highly attractive to insects and is known to be visited by a wide range of pollinators. Notwithstanding this, seed production is low and propagation is largely by means of vegetative spread. Herminium monorchis has a distinctive scent which probably accounts for its popularity with insects. Its common name in Britain is "Musk Orchid" but this does the species little justice as the scent has a characteristic honey fragrance.
Herminium monorchis has a wide distribution throughout temperate Europe and has a similarly wide variety of habitat preferences ranging from dry grassland to fens and moist dune slacks. It is a small plant which although easily overlooked, generally grows in significant colonies.
Source: John and Gerry's Orchids of Britain and Europe