Man Orchid

man orchid, either of two related species of orchids (family Orchidaceae), named for the humanlike shape of their flowers.

The common man orchid (Orchis anthropophora, formerly Aceras anthropophorum) is native to grasslands of Great Britain, Eurasia, and northern Africa. The flower spike, about 10 to 45 cm (4 to 18 inches) tall, may bear up to 90 greenish or yellowish flowers, which have an unpleasant odour. The flowers resemble a helmeted man, with the torso and limbs being formed by a lobed central labellum (modified petal). The plant has glossy leaves, short thick roots, and two egg-shaped underground tubers.

naked man orchid

The naked man orchid (O. italica), sometimes called Italian orchid, is native to the Mediterranean region. The pink, purple, or white flowers are densely clustered on a single thick stalk and resemble a hatted naked man. The petals and sepals that constitute the “hat” are often striped, and the labellum that forms the limbs and torso is usually speckled.