Orchis anthropophora

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Template:Taxobox begin Template:Taxobox image Template:Taxobox begin placement Template:Taxobox regnum entry Template:Taxobox divisio entry Template:Taxobox classis entry Template:Taxobox ordo entry Template:Taxobox familia entry Template:Taxobox subfamilia entry Template:Taxobox tribus entry Template:Taxobox subtribus entry Template:Taxobox genus entry Template:Taxobox end placement Template:Taxobox section subdivision A. anthropophora Template:Taxobox end The Man orchid (Aceras anthropophora, 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.

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 pseudobulb of up 6 cm diameter.

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.

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