Orchis mascula

The aphrodisiacal effect of the tubers of Orchis and other terrestrical orchid species have not been proved by modern science ;analyses have shown only the presence of starch substance of starch substances .Even so,one can still come across older ladies in out-of -the -way Turkish markets ,offering sexually dissatisfied men a drug named ''tuberasalep ''(containing dry tubers of Orchis ,Ophrys and other terrestric orchid species ). Well,different strokes for different folks-everyone has their own recipe on how to live.

Orchis mascula is a beautiful orchid with a very wide ecological amplitude -that is why it is still relatively plentiful despite its gradually decreasing numbers .Also its appearance is highly variable ;it occures in several scientifically acknowledged varities with different areas of habitat. The plants ground lanceolate leaves are either spotted or spotless,the flower stalk is up to 24 in/60 cm tall . The purple flowers are arranged in a dense cylindrical inflorescence and have typically elongated lateral tepals that are bent outward on the ends .The broad flower lip is whitish at the base and covered with dark spots . The plants bloom between March and june .Orchis mascula inhabits areas between and including low elevations and alphine altitudes all over Europe -including the Iberian Peninsula ,the Balkans ,northern Africa and the British Isles .Reports of its occurence have also been made in Caucasia ,Iran and the Canary Islands .