Family: Orchidaceae Genus: Orchis
Species: Orchis mascula (L.) L.
Common Name(s): early purple orchid, salep blue butcher, early purple orchis
As the name suggests, the early purple orchid is among the first orchids to bloom in spring. It can grow up to 40 cm (16 in) tall. The leaves are large, dark green, and shiny, with darker purple-green blotches running along the blade-like edges. The flowers, typically arranged in several spikes, are a rich purple-pink, though white flowers occasionally appear, albeit rarely. Each plant can produce up to 50 flowers.
Fables, Folklore, and Mythology
The early purple orchid has two root-tubers; one full and large, and one slack and small. According to the Greek physician Dioscorides, if a man was to eat the orchid’s full tuber, a boy would be born, whereas if a woman ate the smaller one, it would be a girl.
The plant was once known in the Scottish Highlands as “Gràdh is Fuadh,” meaning “love and hate.” This was because eating the larger root of the orchid was believed to make someone fall in love with you, but eating the smaller one would make them hate you.10
Some believe that the purple spots on the leaves of the early purple orchid have religious connotations, and are actually the drops of Christ’s blood from his crucifixion. In some magical traditions, the root is called the “Adam and Eve Root.” It is said that witches used tubers of this orchid in love potions.11
Traditional Medicine
During classic times, mixtures of orchid root and milk were used as an aphrodisiac. In the 19th century, ‘salep’ or ‘saloop’ was a popular and nutritious drink made by grinding the orchids into flour and mixing them with honey, spices, and hot water or milk. It was said to be effective against hangovers.12
Ecology
When the flowers first open in early spring, their sweet scent, reminiscent of honey or vanilla, attracts pollinators such as bees and other insects, despite offering no nectar to reward them for their efforts.
