Burnt-Tip Orchid
ExplorePlants
Burnt-Tip Orchid
neotinea ustulata
The Burnt-Tip Orchid (Neotinea ustulata) is a charming and highly distinctive wild orchid native to Europe. Renowned for its unique bicolor appearance, this delicate wildflower features a tightly packed spike of blossoms that look remarkably as though they have been lightly singed at the top. This striking visual effect is caused by the deep, dark-maroon-to-black coloration of the unopened buds at the apex of the cluster, which contrasts beautifully with the milky-white, pink-spotted open flowers below. Historically found across unimproved calcareous grasslands, this orchid has become a symbol of conservation, as its habitats have faced significant fragmentation. Its presence is often a key indicator of ancient, undisturbed meadows with rich underground fungal networks.
Habitat: Typically found in undisturbed, short, chalk or limestone grasslands and meadows, often on south-facing slopes.
Appearance
Standing between 10 and 28 centimeters tall, the Burnt-Tip Orchid is easily identified by its dense, cylindrical flower spike. The lower flowers are white with fine pink or purple spots on the lip, while the unopened buds at the top are a deep, dark purple-black, creating the classic 'burnt' appearance. Its leaves are unspotted, pale green, lanceolate, and primarily clustered at the base of the stem, with a few smaller leaves clasping the stem higher up.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusNeotinea
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It emits a delightful, strong scent of vanilla, particularly on warm, sunny afternoons, to attract its insect pollinators.
Some individuals can remain completely dormant underground for several years, supported only by their symbiotic fungi, before suddenly reappearing.
The orchid gets its common name 'Burnt-Tip' because the dark purple buds at the top of the spike make it look like it has been singed by fire.
Special abilities
Ability
Fungal Symbiosis
Its microscopic seeds lack nutrient reserves and rely entirely on mycorrhizal soil fungi to germinate and survive underground for several years before producing leaves.
Ability
Subterranean Dormancy
The orchid can remain dormant underground for multiple seasons during drought or unfavorable conditions, relying on its tubers for survival.
Ability
Scent Mimicry
It emits a strong, sweet, vanilla-like fragrance during the day to attract specific insect pollinators like beetles and flies.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-28 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.05 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-30 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while obtaining minerals and water via a symbiotic fungal network.
Age differences: Seedlings are completely mycoheterotrophic, relying entirely on fungi for nutrients, before developing green leaves to photosynthesize as adults.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Mycorrhizal fungus
Ceratobasidium cornigerum
Serves as a vital symbiotic partner facilitating seed germination and subterranean growth.
mutualism
Small longhorn beetle
Leptura livida
One of the key insect pollinators attracted to the sweet vanilla scent of the flowers.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Burnt-Tip Orchid?
The easiest way to identify Burnt-Tip Orchid is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Burnt-Tip Orchid?
10-28 cm
How much does Burnt-Tip Orchid weigh?
0.01-0.05 kg
How long does Burnt-Tip Orchid live?
10-30 years
What does Burnt-Tip Orchid eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while obtaining minerals and water via a symbiotic fungal network.
Where is Burnt-Tip Orchid usually found?
Typically found in undisturbed, short, chalk or limestone grasslands and meadows, often on south-facing slopes.
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