Behold the Orchis Italica, also known as 'the naked man orchid' or 'the hanging man orchid'. Most of my orchids get dug up in the Spring (when I'm not there) by my neighbours hunting for Orchis mascula or Orchis militaris. I usually arrive home to find a multitude of small holes and discarded orchid flowers as only the root is ground to make salep; a prized flour used in the creation of desserts and a hot drink that to us Brits tastes similar to thin sweet custard. So I was very happy to see this wonderful specimen standing proud next to my washing line. Nice to see that Mother Nature has a sense of humour.
. . you really need to get out more Annie!
ReplyDeleteVery true
DeleteIt is a shame to dig up the wild orchids - we have lots over the wall on our common, but they also tend to gravitate into our garden too. Ours are protected - your little naked man is charming.
ReplyDeleteI get very upset when I see all the roots dug up. We used to have hundreds and are now down to tens.
DeleteAmazing!: )
ReplyDeleteMakes putting the washing out a treat
DeleteB to B, Well, you should be proud of yourself. You really got our attention big time with that title. Very funny and cute. Hope next year you see even more naked men in your garden (if you can keep them from your neighbors, that is!).
ReplyDeleteMy intention entirely
DeleteI got quite excited for a moment there!
ReplyDeleteJust for you.
DeleteI saw this blog post on Fb the other day but didn't have time to follow the link....funny how it stuck in my mind as something I really had to do!! Great post - lovely flowers and highly amusing. Axxx
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you have these flowers in your part of Spain?
DeleteI wonder if you have these flowers in your part of Spain?
Delete