Flower Properties

Flower Details

Description

A striking orchid named for its dense, pyramid-shaped cluster of pink to magenta flowers. It thrives in sunny grasslands, road verges, and calcareous soils. Though fairly common in the south of the UK, its presence often indicates undisturbed, flower-rich grassland worth conserving.

Distribution

Native to Europe and the UK, more frequent in southern England, and absent from much of Scotland.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Like other orchids, its tubers have been used historically to produce salep, though not a significant medicinal plant today.

Edibility

Tubers can be used for flour (salep), but wild collection is discouraged to preserve habitats.

Human Toxicity

Non_Toxic

No toxicity reported.

Pet Toxicity

Not Toxic

Active Compounds

Polysaccharides, mucilage, and flavonoids.