The common pyramidal orchid is known in Maltese as orkida piramidali. It is native of south-western Eurasia. In Malta, it is frequently found in garrigue and steppic areas. The scientific name of this orchid is anacamptis pyramidalis. Anacamptis is probably derived from the Greek word anakamptein which means “to bend backwards”.
This rather slender, short to medium perennial plant, grows to a height of 30cm. Its flowers, which may vary from bright pink to deep red to purplish-pink in colour, are borne in a cone-shaped (pyramid) spike which slowly elongates into a cylindrical spike with age. Such flowers are usually pollinated by butterflies and moths.
Of interest is the fact that the seeds of this orchid do not contain enough nourishment to be able to produce leaves and flowers. To make up for this, the seeds depend on a specific fungus in the soil to provide for the additional nourishment. The underground fungus-root relationship may take several years to fully develop and hence it sometimes takes some time for the roots of this orchid to be able to send up leaves and flowers. This interaction, which is the norm among orchids, is extremely sensitive and may be affected by man-induced disturbances, such as littering or transplanting.
The dried and ground tuber of the common pyramidal orchid produces a white powder, called sapel. This is a starch-like substance which is used medicinally for children and convalescents, as well as used in desserts and drinks.
In Malta, the common pyramidal orchid is considered as a species of national interest and hence its decline should be avoided. This depends on the actions of each and every one of us.
Should you require more information, please contact nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.
The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta together with many other countries around the globe is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives. We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity.