Detailed description of the lady's slipper. Lady's slipper in traditional medicine recipes Information about the lady's slipper plant

Botanical characteristic

Venus slipper is real, in translation - Cypripedium calceolus, other names: real and limestone slipper, Adam's head, marin's slipper, cuckoo's slippers, yellow chickadees, zozulin cherevichki, overpowered, ryast, boots, cockerels, boots of the virgin with flowers, two-color grass, and a number of other names.

The plant belongs to herbaceous perennials, and belongs to the Orchid family. Its rhizome is horizontal, thick, creeping, seated with long roots. The stem is short, round with glandular fibers, slightly bent at the very top, with three or four sharp elliptical leaves, which are slightly hairy along the edge, they are rather pale below, and light green above.

The plant has no more than two large flowers, their diameter reaches eight centimeters, the bract is leaf-shaped lanceolate. The tepals have a reddish-brown color, the lip is light yellow, with inside with reddish dots.

The upper tepal has an elliptical-lanceolate shape, slightly pointed, glandular-pubescent on the outside, with veins; lower - two-toothed at the top; lateral - horizontal, linear-lanceolate, slightly twisted, lip about three centimeters long. Sometimes individual parts do not fully develop, in connection with this, the usual shape of the flower may change slightly.

The fruit is a bit like a cucumber in its shape, its length is three centimeters, there are several thousand seeds inside, and the largest of them reach one millimeter.

Spreading

The slipper is common in Russia, found in the mountains of the Crimea, the Caucasus, as well as in the Far East, in Siberia. You can often see it in oak and beech forests, much less often in coniferous, spruce, as well as between numerous shrubs, on the edges and clearings. Usually grows in large groups.

Ontogenesis

The shoe is characterized a long period seed germination until flowering, and it is about fifteen years, but in favorable conditions period can be halved.

In the first years, the seedling grows underground and feeds on a fungus. Development in the saprotrophic state is rather slow.

In the fourth year of life, the first appears green leaf. On the fifth - the number of internodes increases to three, while each of them bears a scaly leaf. Subsequently, the growth of the rhizome is carried out due to the terminal bud, it becomes thicker.

In the eleventh year of life, the length of the leaf reaches ten centimeters, the veins become clearly visible. As for the seasonal rhythm of development, around April, young shoots appear above the soil surface, and in early May, buds are already visible. In the middle of the last spring month, the plant blooms.

reproduction

Adam's head seeds ripen slowly, while they are quite sensitive to the environment. They have practically no reserve substances, there is no endosperm. Pollination is carried out by flies or beetles. seed propagation weak, in addition, for their germination, the presence of certain fungi is necessary.

The lady's slipper reproduces more intensively vegetatively, due to the presence of dormant lateral buds, which are laid in the upper part of the rhizome in mid-September.

Cultivation of zozulin cherevichki

The plant prefers to grow in well-drained nutrient soils. In bright places, the leaves become small, but in shady areas they adapt better and achieve optimal light capture. The slipper is frost-resistant, and is quite capable of surviving in conditions of little snowy winters.

For growing plants, humus soils are preferred, which contain sufficient minerals - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In the middle zone of the European part, it grows more often on sod-podzolic land, less often on peaty-marshy terrain.

species protection

Adam's head is considered one of the beautiful orchids, which grow in the temperate zone, so this flower was often collected to make bouquets, thereby destroying it, and also dug up rhizomes for planting in their gardens. When plucked, almost the entire stem is usually cut off and the vegetation stops.

Plucking these beautiful flowers for several years leads to the gradual depletion of the rhizome and the inevitable death of the individual. The number is noticeably reduced as a result of deforestation and when various fertilizers are introduced into the soil.

The first time after deforestation, the lady's slipper is preserved, but its abundance drops significantly, but if hardwood grows, then the boots are restored. If within ten years the forest does not appear on the clearing, then the two-colored grass disappears altogether.

Quite quickly, the slipper disappears from densely populated areas near large cities. Accordingly, he was taken under protection. Currently, this plant is listed in the International Red Book.

Conclusion

Of course, this is a very beautiful plant, but it cannot be plucked in the wild, since this representative of the Orchid family is listed in the Red Book. Cultivate it on your summer cottages, it will certainly decorate with its appearance any flower bed, therefore, use zozulin cherevichki only with decorative purpose in their gardens.

Who will not agree that orchids are one of the most unusual colors on the ground. Especially admirable is the lady's slipper. Interestingly, until the plant blooms, it does not attract attention. But when the buds begin to open, graceful masterpieces appear against the background of green leaves. Each of them wonderfully reflects the wisdom and creativity of the Creator.

When you look at a lady's slipper, you involuntarily notice an original combination of pretentiousness with subtle grace. An unusual gradation of shades smoothly passes one into another. Some species are embellished with delicate stripes and spots that resemble an intricate sketch. Often you want to take and give someone a charming divine flower.

side view of the plant

The artsy queen from the plant world was first discovered in the southern latitudes of Asia. She graced the slopes high mountains India. It has been found in rock crevices in the Philippines. Bouquets of delicate orchids were given to Thai beauties. Unfortunately, many exotic species of these charming flowers have long disappeared, and some can be difficult to find.

Thanks to the painstaking work of fans of an exotic flower, today there are many of its species. Once under the auspices of flower growers, orchids develop well away from their homeland. For a few recent years brought out a lot hybrid varieties, which are not inferior in beauty to their ancient relatives.

An elegant flower - a lady's slipper, the photo and description of which lead caring people to extraordinary delight, is truly beautiful. It has a bizarre shape, reminiscent of an elegant shoe. For such an unusual shape, the orchid is sometimes called cuckoo shoes, Adam's grass or Mary's shoes. In nature, the flower grows on the islands South Asia, in European countries and even in Siberia. The unearthly beauty of the flower prompted many gardeners of the past to dig it out of its natural environment to grow it in front gardens. This led to the degeneration of the plant. To preserve what is still left, the slipper orchid was listed in the Red Book.

The flower is considered a perennial plant. The leaves are characterized by such shades:


The length of the leaf plate reaches 30 cm. In general, it is similar to, but thicker and fleshy. Usually one rosette produces a peduncle about 40 cm in height. It can be single-flowered or multi-flowered. Buds can reach 12 cm in diameter and are distinguished by a variety of colors. It is quite difficult to describe in words what a lady's slipper looks like, it is much easier to see it in a photo.

Generally speaking, the plant has a straight stem 60 cm high. 3 or 4 folded leaves extend from it. The buds are petals and sepals brought together to form a miniature pouch. It also resembles a lady's slipper. Above it hang, like ribbons, original stipules.

Depending on the species and the place where the lady's slipper grows, the flowering time changes. The plant loves bright diffused light or moderate partial shade. Optimum temperature for active growth ranges from 8 to 30 degrees.

If you plant a lady's slipper in the garden on open field, it will bloom only after 15 years. Although it retains its properties for about 30 years.

The secret of the unusual name is revealed

When you look at the bizarre buds of a delicate orchid, you involuntarily wonder: where does such a name come from - a lady's slipper. Interesting facts show that the secret lies in ancient legends.

One day, the Roman goddess Venus went hunting with her lover Adonis. Quite unexpectedly, it started to rain. To hide from him, they went into a cave, where it was dry and warm. The goddess threw her wet shoes at the entrance and was carried away by communication with Adonis. At this time, a poor peasant passed by. Seeing the beautiful shoes, he wanted to take them for himself. But as soon as he touched them, they turned into graceful flowers. He realized that the gods were hiding in the cave. Leaving the orchids near the cave, he left. Since then, venus slippers have been growing on the ground various colors and shades. Of course, this story is made up by people, but beautiful name matches the original colors.

Charming varieties of divine plants

It is incredibly difficult to imagine the planet Earth without a variety of colors. Life would be dull and uninteresting if there were no cute orchids nearby. Therefore, all new varieties of the divine flower appear. Here is some of them.

real lady's slipper

The original plant grows up to half a meter in height. It has a short and strong rhizome, which consists of 2 internodes. Adventitious roots about 30 cm long grow on it. Short glandular hairs are visible on the stem of the flower. Leaf plates are elliptical, alternate. At the edges they are slightly pointed and hairy. Grow up to 18 cm in length.

The real lady's slipper is distinguished by original buds. The perianth leaves are colored red or brown, which is in harmony with the yellowish swollen lip.

Type of slipper stemless

This species is distinguished by ground shoots with two oblong leaves about 20 cm long. The bud is located on a pedicel 35 cm high. Usually it is large in size and has a pleasant aroma. Blooms in spring or early June.

California lady's slipper

The flower grows up to 80 cm in height. On a strong stem there are 4 leaves 10 cm long. Their shape is oval, the tips are sharp. The buds consist of several small flowers. In general, they look very funny.

large-flowered species

The variety is characterized by a short thick rhizome, on which filiform winding roots grow. At the base of the 45 cm stem are brown shoes. The leaves usually reach 15 cm in length and about 8 si in width. The lady's slipper has an intricate coloring thanks to different shades purple.

Secrets of flowering venus slipper - video

Grow a divine flower in your own home

Recently, many connoisseurs of exotic flowers grow orchids at home. They began to appear everywhere on the windows of private houses and apartments, striking with their beauty. Despite their capricious disposition, they take root perfectly indoors. And in gratitude for meticulous care at home, lady's slipper orchids will give a bouquet of beautiful flowers.

In order for the plant to actively develop, it is important to choose the right place for it. The main condition is diffused light. In principle, this goal can be achieved on any window.

As practice shows, the plant needs light for at least 14 hours a day. Therefore, in winter period It is advisable to use artificial lighting.

Orchid lady's slipper requires regular watering. It should be the same throughout the year. Before watering the plant, the water is settled and filtered. It is better to slightly warm it up so as not to harm the flower. Pour the liquid gently into the root area of ​​the orchid, trying to avoid getting water on the leaves. If this happens, it will lead to their death.

Some flower lovers moisten the soil of the flower in a different way. They immerse the pot in a container with warm water for a while. When the soil absorbs moisture, take out and put on a pallet. Through time excess water drain. When the soil dries noticeably, you can repeat this procedure.

Depending on the type of soil in the pot, the time of such moistening will be different. With peat, 15 minutes is enough to completely soak the soil. If there are large pieces of bark in the substrate, it is better to hold the flower in water for about 40 minutes.

Since the lady's slipper loves stable humidity, it is advisable to create it artificially. For this, a humidifier is placed near the flower. You can also put a layer of wet moss and expanded clay on the pallet in which the orchid stands. Stable humidity for the shoe is provided.

Like any living plant, the divine flower needs feeding. For this, it is better to use special fertilizers. They are diluted with water, in accordance with the instructions and watered monthly.

It is interesting that there are frost-resistant varieties. They successfully take root in the flower beds. They are planted in shady places, you can even under deciduous trees. Drainage is added to the soil in the form of gravel or broken bricks. Water the exotic plant sparingly. By following these simple rules for caring for the frilly queen of flowers, you can surround yourself with a whole garden of orchids.

Video about caring for an orchid lady's slipper

Video about mistakes in caring for orchids lady's slipper

Somehow the beautiful goddess Venus wandered into the northern forests. Tired after a long journey, she decided to give her legs a rest, took off her shoes, and forgot about them. And they turned into a wonderful flower, called "Venus slipper".

The description of the origin of this plant, which has won the love of many flower growers, is like a beautiful fairy tale.

The legend of the lady's slipper

Indeed, the shape of the flower calyx is outwardly similar to a slipper, and the petals located nearby resemble velvet ribbons. In Russia, this plant is called in a different way Bogoroditsa boots, cuckoo shoes; in Europe they are called ladies' shoes, and in America - moccasins. Where does the lady's slipper grow? What legends are associated with it?

Ancient mythology tells that once during a hunt, the goddess Venus and Adonis were suddenly caught by a thunderstorm. A loving couple took refuge in a cave, and Venus left her wet shoes at the entrance. A casual traveler passing by did not notice the goddess and her lover, but he saw golden shoes on the ground. As soon as he bent down to pick them up, they turned into beautiful flowers. The man understood that the gods were resting in the cave, and went on. Since then, a flower of extraordinary beauty has been growing in the forests - a lady's slipper.

Venus slipper: description

It's grassy perennial Orchidaceae family, numbering more than fifty species. The color of the leaves is green, dark green or grayish-marble with a length of about 30 centimeters. Each leaf rosette produces one peduncle to a height of 40 cm, which can be single or multi-flowered.

Flowers are pollinated by bees and have the most different colors: yellow, white, purple, brown or green, and a pleasant vanilla smell complements such an original appearance. Often there are striped and spotted specimens. The stem is often pubescent, can be very short (then the only pair of leaves seems to be near the ground) or quite high with large alternate leaves and 6-12 flowers, complex structure which are like a trap. Once inside it, pollinating insects, attracted by the bright color of the flower, can get out through tiny holes in back wall bag, be sure to pollinate the plant. A fertilized venus slipper begins to slowly fade.

At the end of summer, numerous seeds ripen, small as dust. Most of seed dispersed through the air, never reaching the soil surface. Those that get into the soil will germinate provided that there are scanty symbiont fungi in it, which penetrate into the tissues of the embryo and contribute to the formation of sprouts and further development plants.

Habitat in natural conditions

It takes fifteen years for a lady's slipper to please the world with its flowering. As a protection against the likelihood of being eaten by some herbivore, the flower uses caustic and poisonous juice. For a person, it does not pose any danger, but on the contrary, it is widely distributed in traditional medicine.

In nature, the lady's slipper plant grows in groups, prefers dimly lit places located among mosses and in the shade of trees. Also, the flower is comfortable on river cliffs and in ravines, in coniferous and mixed forests on well-moistened, lime-rich lands. Where does the lady's slipper grow? On the territory of Russia in the natural environment, the lady's slipper is rare. It has become widespread in the North and South America, Mongolia, Japan, China (highlands).

Features of cultural cultivation

The real lady's slipper has long been adapted to cultural cultivation and requires proper care as close to natural conditions as possible. No drafts and direct sun rays- a mandatory rule for its qualitative growth. It is advisable to choose a seat in the shade; the substrate of complex composition, fine bark, is optimal as soil, charcoal, crushed shell walnuts, chalk or

For indoor cultivation a wide capacity should be chosen due to the horizontal root system that characterizes the lady's slipper. The description of the landing process is similar to others indoor plants; a coarser substrate should be placed at the bottom of the pot, and a fine and moisture-intensive substrate should be placed closer to the surface.

Venus slipper: care

Watering the plant is recommended regular and plentiful, causing a constant humidity of the substrate. In summer, it is required to moisten the soil often, in winter, during the dormant period, less often. Water is recommended room temperature, and when watering, it should not fall on the base of the stem, in order to avoid its decay. AT hot weather the plant should be often sprayed or artificially increase the humidity around it. Feeding the venus slipper should be done with a solution of a complex mineral fertilizer of low concentration, applied during irrigation (about 1 time in 2-3 weeks), in winter - once a month.

reproduction

Reproduction of the venus slipper is carried out vegetatively, by dividing the rhizome. Most favorable time for this operation, the end of summer - mid-autumn is considered. Part of the rhizome with several daughter buds needs to be planted in the substrate to a shallow depth, and then sprinkled thin layer earth. In this state, the planted orchids will survive the winter, and in the spring they will form new shoots. For the winter, it is recommended to cover the landing site of the Venus slipper with foam plastic or dry foliage. A Venus slipper is transplanted every 3 years. It must be done very carefully, excluding the possibility of damage to the roots, otherwise it can lead to the death of the plant.

The lady's slipper, the description of which is interesting to many flower growers, is resistant to diseases, but can sometimes be affected spider mite or mealy worm.

Lady's slipper: on the verge of extinction

It is badly reflected in nature, including the lady's slipper suffers from it. The Red Book contains this plant as capable of disappearing forever from the face of the Earth due to the impact of external factors on it.

Land reclamation, the removal of fertilizers from the fields are the factors that cause the disappearance of this amazing creation of nature without a trace. If we add to this an irresistible desire to keep this flower as a keepsake, to pluck it and take it home, then eradication is accelerated at times. That's why everything European states carefully protect the lady's slipper. The Red Book is a way to protect a plant from its voluntary and involuntary destruction.

Venus slipper: types

In nature, the following types of plants are most often found:

  • Lady's slipper ordinary. It is characterized by a height of about 50 cm, a horizontal rhizome, large leaves elliptical shape, original flower shape with a bright yellow shoe-shaped lip and brownish bracts. Flowering occurs in July.
  • Lady's slipper spotted. It is characterized by an original flower of white or pinkish color with dark purple spots.
  • Venerin Widely used for breeding hybrids, has large, up to 10 cm in diameter, bright pink flowers. Flowering occurs in May.

Lady's slipper is widely used for decoration garden plots. It looks beautiful in monoflowers, suitable for decoration shady places, where most plants feel uncomfortable. Some types of these orchids can become a highlight of rock gardens.

Family: orchids (Orchidaceae).

motherland

Various representatives of the genus Cypripedium were found and first described in northeastern India, China, and Vietnam before reaching Europe. On the territory of Russia, they are found in Siberia and the Far East. Some species grow on the North American continent.

The form: perennial herbaceous plant

Description

The genus of orchid Slippers, or Venus slipper, or Cypripedium, according to archaeologists, has about 30 thousand years. The number of currently counted species cannot be called stable - some representatives of the genus are predatoryly exterminated for the purpose of illegal commerce and are on the verge of extinction, other species that were previously considered destroyed, reappear in wild nature.

Of particular interest in plants, the lady's slipper is caused by the extreme decorativeness of plants - among the representatives of its family, the lady's slipper stands out original form a flower resembling a shoe. The pointed or lanceolate bright green leaves are collected in a dense basal rosette. On several short peduncles large, as a rule, single flowers are located, which can have the most diverse, most often bright color and pleasant aroma. The shape of the flower is a kind of trap for insect pollinators - getting inside the shoe, they can get out of it only in a way that guarantees the pollination of the plant.

To date a large number of species and hybrids Venus slipper is bred in industrial scale specialized greenhouses and nurseries. On the one hand, this contributes to the preservation of the genus in the wild, on the other hand, it makes it possible for everyone to acquire and grow these unusual beautiful plants. Planting a Venus slipper and caring for it are quite simple, but often have individual characteristics. Therefore, it is most expedient to purchase a plant for garden culture in a nursery, because it is there that you can get the most competent answers to the question - how to care for a Venus slipper of one kind or another.

Types of cypripediums found in the wild nature of Russia:

or lady's slipper ordinary (C. calceolus) - a plant with a horizontal rhizome, peduncles reaching 50 cm in height, large elliptical leaves and an original flower with brownish bracts and a bright yellow shoe-shaped lip. Flowering time - July.

(C. macranthos) exists in several natural variations and is widely used to create hybrids. The flowers are large, up to 10 cm in diameter, usually bright pink, but can be painted red or White color. The species is demanding on the composition and acid-base balance of the soil. Blooms in May.

or Lady's slipper spotted (C. guttatum) - owner original flower, painted white or pink color with dark purple spots. It is included in the Red Book of Kamchatka and in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

There are many types of cypripediums that have only Latin name. The process of studying and systematizing the genus has not been completed to date.

Growing conditions

Among the cypripediums are found (orchids growing on trees), lithophytes (plants that live on stones and rocks) and terrestrial species growing in deciduous humus. It follows from this that when choosing a substrate for planting flowers, the lady's slipper should take into account the characteristics of each particular species. Most of the substrates used by flower growers contain crushed pine bark, perlite, charcoal in various proportions. The soil mixtures in which orchids are planted should be moderately alkaline, well aerated and moderately moist.

Most cypripediums (except epiphytes) prefer cool and highly humidified air. Many species of lady's slipper orchids love well-shaded places, others - bright light. Most representatives of the genus are frost-resistant.

Application

Most cypripediums require special conditions content, so the use of the Venus slipper in monoflowers, as a rule, justifies itself. This genus of orchids is great for decorating shady areas - those where most plants will feel uncomfortable. Some types of lithophyte cypripediums can become a real "highlight".

Care

Caring for the Venus slipper is not difficult. Cypripediums need regular moderate watering, waterlogging of the soil is unacceptable, as well as its drying out. In hot weather, plants are recommended to be sprayed frequently either with available funds artificially increase the humidity of the air around the orchids.

During flowering, caring for the Venus slipper orchid is also extremely simple - the plant will benefit from monthly organic top dressing, for example, mullein infusion. Application mineral fertilizers it is better to minimize it - they form an excess of salts that is detrimental to the shoes in the soil.

reproduction

There are two ways of reproduction of the Venus slipper: seed and vegetative. The first of them is very complicated: microscopically small seeds of the Venus slipper are able to sprout only in strictly certain conditions, and the first flowering of plants occurs only after 7-8, and sometimes more, years after sowing. Therefore, the seed method of growing cypripedium is practiced mainly by biologists-breeders.

Amateur flower growers propagate the Venus slipper by dividing the rhizome. The most favorable time for this is the period from late August to mid-October. A part of the rhizome with several daughter buds is planted in a loose substrate to a depth of 10 cm, after which it is sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. The substrate layer above the daughter buds should not be thicker than 2 cm, it cannot be tamped. In this state, the planted orchids will overwinter, and in the spring they will give new shoots. For the winter, it is advisable to cover the landing sites of cypripediums with dry foliage or foam.

Diseases and pests

used in garden culture cypripedium is disease resistant. The plant can sometimes be affected by pests such as mealy worms and spider mites.

The lady's slipper plant is one of the most beautiful wild flowers in Russia. Among the people, the flower has many names "Adam's head", "cuckoo boots" and "Marusin's slipper", sometimes it is called the shoes of the Virgin or simply cockerels.

Venus slipper: a brief description

The Latin name Cupripedium calceolus is translated as "Cypri's slipper".

It is a perennial herbaceous plant 15–25 centimeters tall with a creeping rhizome. Applies to the monocotyledonous class, the orchid family. Lip inside with red dots, two-lobed in shape resembling a wooden shoe, bright yellow color, with a narrow mouth. Two lateral lobes are linear-lacent, slightly twisted, up to 6 centimeters long. The lower and upper petals are large, the lower one is two-toothed (since two side petals have grown together). This plant of the orchid family looks spectacular when it begins to bloom - from mid-May to early June.

At the bottom of a large petal (slipper) are juicy hairs. flower trap for small insects. Sometimes these hairs secrete nectar, which together with the hairs is eaten by insects. Most love this nectar small bees attracted by the gentle vanilla aroma of the plant. Having penetrated into the cavity of the slipper, insects can hardly leave it through the narrow outlet of the anther and involuntarily become pollinators for the flower, the pollen of which they will leave on the stigmas of other slippers.

The fruit is a brown box.

Habitat and species protection

it rare plant leads the life of a "hermit" and in the wild nature of Russia is found infrequently, but almost throughout the country: Far East, Western and Eastern Siberia, European part of Russia, Crimea, Caucasus. It lives mainly in shady glades without direct sunlight, warm, dry deciduous and coniferous forests, between shrubs on lime-rich soils, and sometimes comes across on the outskirts of swamps. Some species are able to withstand quite severe cold.

Like all orchids in our country, the lady's slipper is on the verge of extinction and is protected by the state. The plant of rare beauty is listed in the Red Book of Russia. This is due to the mass collection of the flower by people for sale or breeding on the household plots, deforestation and destruction of forests, construction of new roads. All this ultimately leads to a reduction in the species and threatens complete disappearance populations. If it were not for the "capriciousness" of the flower, the lady's slipper would certainly have received wide decorative distribution. Today, this flower can only be found on the territory of nature reserves, botanical gardens or in remote places where a person with barbaric intentions has not set foot.

Legends of the slipper of the goddess Venus

According to legend, the owner of this unusual shoes is considered the Greek goddess of beauty and love Cyprida, she is Aphrodite or Venus.

The name of the flower comes from fairy tales and legends, and the flower, its unusual shape, resembling a silk shoe for women, appeared on earth thanks to the sweet forgetfulness and absent-mindedness of the goddess Venus.

According to one of the legends, Venus (goddess of love) and Adonis (god of beauty) in love hid in the crown of a tree during rain, and a golden slipper slipped off the feet of the goddess right on the road along which the hunter passed by. Delighted by the precious find, the man extended his hand to the shoe, but it instantly turned into a beautiful flower.

Another legend tells us how once the goddess of beauty and love Venus wandered into the Russian forests and walked through them for a long time, admiring nature, and then sat down to rest and took off her golden shoes. And leaving, just forgot them in the forest and they turned into flowers of extraordinary beauty. Seeing this miracle locals so they called the plant - "Venus's shoes."

lady's slipper




lady's slipper russian orchid

According to Wikipedia: the genus Slipper or Cypripedium (Cypripédium) includes about 50 species, grows mainly in North and South America, Asia and Europe.

In the nature of Russia, there are 5 species:

In our country, the forest orchid grows on moist soils of rather deaf and dark forests in the shade. deciduous trees. The soil should be light and loose, neutral or slightly acidic, rich in calcium.

Reproduction in a flower is vegetative (by dividing a bush) and seed, and the stage of symbiosis of a seedling with special soil fungi and underground growth lasts three years.

The time of flowering comes only after ten, or even all seventeen years. It blooms a little less than a month - from mid May until early June. Seed maturation is completed two to three months after pollination.

Used in folk medicine peoples of the North and Tibet how medicine epilepsy, headache, insomnia, cardiovascular diseases, schizophrenia, fright.

  • Orchid seeds germinate only with the help of special symbiont fungi that penetrate the tissues of the embryo.
  • Prefers to settle in places where pine and birch grow simultaneously.
  • From the moment of seed germination to the moment of the first flowering, 15–18 years can pass.
  • The caustic poisonous juice saves the plant from animals.
  • The flower is remarkable for its longevity - it lives from 50 to 100 years.
  • Included in the Red Book of the USSR in 1984.