Wild orchids that grow near us

Royal Orchid

If we are talking about orchids, mainly seem outlandish tropical Orchid hybrids which year by year are becoming more popular in indoor horticulture. The beauty and splendor of these flowers is obvious, but their closest relatives — wild orchids growing in the North, relative to the tropics, the forests of Russia, not so familiar and known. In Belarus, Russia, Ukraine actually grow orchids, and a lot of about 130 species. The orchids and the shoes don't hit randomly on North from the far edges — they grow here since time immemorial.

A little white Shoe

The number of wild orchids from year to year is declining, why are they listed in the Red book and taken under protection. To celebrate these flowers in the woods are lucky enough not to everyone. But he who saw them once, will love and remember forever. Wild orchids are amazing plants. They are very decorative, have a subtle beauty, and some species – an amazing smell. Since ancient times, when wild orchids, there were so many, and until recently they were used to cure many ailments. Currently about their miraculous powers are legendary.

Slipper small -

Structure of flowers of the wild orchids are unique. It, like tropical orchids characterized by the presence of "lips", which serves as landing platform for pollinating insects to them.
The flowers of some species are traps out which insects pollinate them, others cheat pollinators by their imitation of the appearance of the partner.

All orchids are complex and lengthy development cycle. Live wild orchids about 30 years, so they can be considered long-lived. Despite this, see for example, bloom's double possible every year: after a six-year flowering Platanthera resting. Once in the ground the seeds of wild orchids can climb only four years later and only in the presence in the soil of certain fungi, which gives them all the necessary growth nutrients. But even after the emergence of the first leaves, the flowering wild orchids starts only after ten years. So fragile the existence of these wonderful plants.

The lady's slipper

The Shoe real

Slipper fair lady

Orchid forest

Hybrid Orchid from southern Italy

African Orchid

Orchid Mediterranean

Orchid from Chile

Marsh Orchid

Kukushkiny tears

Kukushkiny tears, Platanthera, or night violet, growing on forest edges, in light forests.
To rare, endangered from nature plants is the spotted Orchis. For spotting this wild Orchid called "kukushkiny tears".

The spotted Orchis is used as a stimulant in impotence, as an antidote in case of poisoning cauterizing poisons acts. In Tibetan medicine used as a stimulant of the Central nervous system, General tonic, promotes longevity, and in folk medicine as an antitumor agent and for toothache.

Meadow with orchids

Platanthera in the meadow

Platanthera has a very delicate flavor, similar to the fragrances of hyacinth and white Lily. The flavor intensifies in the evening, that plant is called "night violet". At night the white sparkling flowers's seem light butterflies that hover in the dark.
The Russian name comes from the word "love" and is associated with medicinal use of the root of the plant impotence.
From double's prepared a love potion.