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pyramidal orchid

Anacamptis pyramidalis

The pyramidal orchid is a beautiful flower that grows in clusters. Its bright pink and purple colors attract many butterflies and bees, making it a lovely sight in the wild.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The pyramidal orchid has a striking dense, pyramid-shaped cluster of numerous small, purplish-pink to deep magenta flowers. Its upright stem rises from narrow, grass-like leaves, making its distinctive triangular bloom head stand out vividly in meadows.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusAnacamptis
pyramidal orchid
Photo: Didier DescouensCC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗
flowering trait badgecluster flower trait badgespring blooming trait badgefragrant flower trait badge
pyramidal orchid

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

It often grows in chalky or limy soils, preferring alkaline ground conditions.

Its scientific name 'Anacamptis' means 'bent back', referring to its pollen sacs!

Some individual flowers can twist upside down during their development!

The pyramidal orchid is the county flower of the Isle of Wight in England.

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Spur Beacon

The pyramidal orchid has long, slender nectar spurs that guide long-tongued insects directly to its pollen for effective transfer.

Ability

Underground Pantry

The pyramidal orchid stores energy in underground tubers, helping it survive harsh winters or dry periods and regrow each year.

Ability

Crowd Pleaser Display

The pyramidal orchid packs many tiny flowers into a dense pyramid shape, creating a large, attractive display to lure pollinators.

Measurements & details

Height
15-50 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to mid-summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Pollinates

Hummingbird hawkmoth

Macroglossum stellatarum

its long proboscis aids in pollen transfer

Pollinates

Common Blue butterfly

Polyommatus icarus

attracted by the vibrant flower clusters

Symbiotic with

mycorrhizal fungus

Tulasnella calospora

provides essential nutrients to the orchid's roots

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy looking at flowers, but remember not to pick them so others can enjoy them too!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify pyramidal orchid?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is pyramidal orchid?

15-50 cm

How big are the flowers on pyramidal orchid?

1-2 cm

When does pyramidal orchid bloom?

Late spring to mid-summer

Is pyramidal orchid edible?

No

Is pyramidal orchid toxic?

None

What is pyramidal orchid's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is pyramidal orchid pollinated?

Insect

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