Family: orchids (Orchidaceae)
Flowering time: June–August
Size: 20–70 cm
Habitat: dry and wet meadows, low bogs, forest edges and clearings
The common kukovičnik (Gymnadenia conopsea) is a tall and slender orchid with a leafy stem. The linear stem leaves become progressively shorter toward the top of the stem, and at the top there is a long, cylindrical, slightly lax inflorescence. This consists of small, single-colored and gently fragrant flowers. The pink flowers have on the back a long (10 to 20 mm) and slender spur, which is curved downward and is clearly longer than the ovary.
The common kukovičnik is relatively common on bare calcareous soils in light habitats across Slovenia, only in Pomurje is it really rare. Here it is protected and on the Red List listed as a vulnerable species.
