Ophrys insectifera Fly orchid (Orchidaceae)

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Ophrys insectifera
Fly orchid
(1 Page of 5)

The Ophrys insectifera plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Fly orchid. Some home gardeners know the variety as O. muscifera. Huds.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ophrys insectifera
Common Name:  Fly orchid
Family:  Orchidaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Woods, copses, field borders, spoil slopes, banks and grassy hillsides on chalk or limestone and in fens[17].

Medicinal Information: Salep (see above for more details) is very nutritive and demulcent[4]. It has been used as a diet of special value for children and convalescents, being boiled with water, flavoured and prepared in the same way as arrowroot[4]. Rich in mucilage, it forms a soothing and demulcent jelly that is used in the treatment of irritations of the gastro-intestinal canal[4]. One part of salep to fifty parts of water is sufficient to make a jelly[4]. The tuber, from which salep is prepared, should be harvested as the plant dies down after flowering and setting seed[4].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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