Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum
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Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum
himantoglossum metlesicsianum
Himantoglossum metlesicsianum, commonly known as Metlesics's Giant Orchid, is a rare and striking orchid species endemic to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It is a robust geophyte characterized by its thick, fleshy stems and dense, imposing spikes of colorful flowers. Adapted to the challenging volcanic terrains, this plant spends the dry summer dormant underground as a tuber, only emerging during the cooler winter months when moisture levels rise. It represents a vital and unique evolutionary branch of orchid flora in Macaronesia. For quick identification of Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum during outdoor trips, download the Snappit app.
Habitat: Found in open Canary Island pine forests, volcanic scrublands, and rocky slopes with porous ash soils, usually at altitudes between 500 and 1,200 meters.
Appearance
This robust orchid typically stands between 15 and 60 centimeters tall, featuring a thick green stem often flushed with purple. The leaves are large, shiny, and broadly oval, forming a basal rosette that emerges before the flower spike. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical cluster of 20 to 40 flowers, each adorned with a prominent, deeply three-lobed pinkish-purple to brownish lip covered in darker violet spots. A short, downward-pointing spur is visible behind each flower.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusHimantoglossum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Like most orchids, its seeds are as fine as dust and possess no food reserves, depending entirely on a fungal partner for the energy to grow.
The species name 'metlesicsianum' was chosen to honor Hans Metlesics, an Austrian botanist who dedicated much of his life to cataloging Canarian flora.
This orchid is one of the earliest blooming flowers in the Canary Islands, with blossoms opening as early as December.
Special abilities
Ability
Fungal Partnership
It relies on symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi in the soil to provide essential carbon and nutrients, particularly during seed germination.
Ability
Volcanic Adaptation
Exhibits exceptional tolerance to porous, nutrient-poor volcanic soils, utilizing underground tubers to store energy and survive summer droughts.
Ability
Deceptive Pollination
Employs food-deceptive mimicry, attracting local insect pollinators with bright colors and floral scent without producing actual nectar.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-60 cm
- Lifespan
- 5-20 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own sugars using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while relying on mycorrhizal fungi for mineral uptake.
Age differences: As microscopic seeds and young protocorms, they are entirely mycoheterotrophic, depending 100% on host fungi before developing green leaves to photosynthesize.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil minerals
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
mutualism
Canary Island Pine
Pinus canariensis
Grows in the shelter of this endemic pine forest, benefiting from the shaded microclimate and acidic leaf litter.
mutualism
Canary Islands Bumblebee
Bombus canariensis
Attracted to the showy, deceptive flowers, this endemic bee acts as a primary pollinator.
mutualism
Rhizoctonia-like fungus
Tulasnella calospora
Provides essential nutrients to the germinating seeds of the orchid in the volcanic soil.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum?
The easiest way to identify Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum?
15-60 cm
How long does Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum live?
5-20 years
What does Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own sugars using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while relying on mycorrhizal fungi for mineral uptake.
Where is Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum usually found?
Found in open Canary Island pine forests, volcanic scrublands, and rocky slopes with porous ash soils, usually at altitudes between 500 and 1,200 meters.
How does Himantoglossum Metlesicsianum hunt?
Photosynthesis
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