Family: cuckoo orchids (Orchidaceae)
Blooming time: April–June
Size: 10–30 cm
Habitat: moderately dry meadows and open forests
The basal leaves of the common cuckoo orchid (Orchis morio) form a leaf rosette. A few leaves clasp the upright stem. At the top of the stem develops a cylindrical inflorescence, formed by crimson-red, purple or pink flowers. The upper petals stay together – forming a hood. The inner floral parts of the hood are adorned with green veins. The lower petal, the honey lip, is broader than long. A white band in its middle is speckled with red spots. The common cuckoo orchid is widespread across almost all of Slovenia, with the exception of its far northwestern part. It is our most common meadow orchid, but its population is declining!
The cause is the overgrowth of traditionally managed meadows. In our country it is protected and listed on the Red List of endangered plants.
