Family: orchids (Orchidaceae)
Flowering time: July–August
Size: 15–40 cm
Habitat: meadows, sunny forests, forest clearings and among shrubs
Fragrant orchid (Gymnadenia odoratissima) is at first glance very similar to the closely related common orchid, but the fragrant orchid is usually more delicate. The most obvious difference between these two species is in the length of the spur – the tubular projection at the back of the flower, where nectar collects. The spur in the fragrant orchid is more or less straight, and mainly short, being up to 6 mm long, at most as long as the ovary. Its pink flowers also distinctly smell of vanilla.
It grows on poor soils in sunny places. It is fairly rare; its distribution is scattered mainly across western and central Slovenia. In our country it is also protected and listed on the endangered species list, as it is disappearing due to the loss of suitable habitats.
