Man orchid
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 Man orchid (Aceras anthropophorum)
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Aceras anthropophorum |
The Man orchid (Aceras anthropophorum, also known as Orchis anthropophora), is the only species of the monotypic orchid genus Aceras. Its common name arises from the resemblance of its flowers to a hanged man, whose head is formed by the petals and sepals, and suspended torso and limbs from the lobes of the labellum.
[edit] Description
The man orchid grows to a height of between 20 and 40 cm. Up to fifty small yellow-green stemless flowers are produced between April and June. A basal rosette of 5 cm long lanceolate leaves develops from a tuber of up 6 cm diameter.
[edit] Habitat
The man orchid favours moderately sunny meadows on dry to well-drained soil. It is to be found around the Mediterranean area, and in central Europe as far north as southern England. It can also grow in alpine areas, though not at high altitude.
[edit] Synonyms
- Aceras anthropomorpha (Pers.) Steud. 1840
- Aceras anthropophorum (L.) Sm. 1818
- Arachnites anthropophora F.W. Schmidt 1793
- Loroglossum anthropophorum (L.) Rich. 1818
- Loroglossum brachyglotte Rich. 1818
- Ophrys anthropophora L. 1753
- Orchis anthropophora All. 1785
- Satyrium anthropomorpha Pers. 1807
- Satyrium anthropophora Pers. 1807
- Serapias anthropophora (L.) J. Jundz. 1791
