Identifying orchids reliably - tips on the identification key

Identifying orchids reliably - tips on the identification key

First step: identify the orchid as such

Before consulting an identification key, it should be unequivocally established that you actually have an orchid in front of you. To do this, take a look at the flowers. An orchid flower is composed of 3 sepals (sepals) as an outer bract circle. The inner circle of bracts is formed by 3 petals. A leaf of this forms a lip, the unmistakable feature of an orchid blossom.

also read

  • These orchids are native to Germany
  • Popular orchids and their popular names - an overview
  • These orchids are hardy - a selection of beautiful garden orchids

The lip is optionally equipped with or without a spur and designed as a simple landing place for the pollinators. In lady's slipper orchids, the lip acts as a kettle flower trap for curious bees and bumblebees.

How to identify a lady's slipper orchid step-by-step

The yellow lady's slipper orchid is the only native Cypripedium in Germany. Anyone who walks in the field and forest with open eyes can hope for an encounter. You can use the following identification key to reveal the identity:

  • Key 1 foliage: plant with completely leafy stems
  • Key 2 flower shape: flowers without a spur
  • Key 2a Flower shape: Flowers with a shoe-shaped lip
  • Key 3 flower color: yellow-brown
  • Result: Cypripedium calceolus (yellow lady's slipper)

On the other hand, if you come to the conclusion with key 2 that it is a flower with a long spur, the identification key branches from here onwards in the direction of other orchid species, such as the great Handelwort (Gymnadenia conopsea) with a flower spur up to 20 cm long.

Tips

Did you use the identification key to identify a magnificent lady's slipper orchid in the wild? Then respectful admiring and detailed photography is allowed. Since the floral treasure is threatened with extinction in Germany, a Cypripedium calceolus is subject to nature conservation. Picking or digging is punishable by heavy fines.