Ophrys sphegodes Early spider orchid (Orchidaceae)

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Ophrys sphegodes
Early spider orchid
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The Ophrys sphegodes plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Early spider orchid. Some home gardeners know the variety as O. aranifera. Huds.

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Latin Name:  Ophrys sphegodes
Common Name:  Early spider orchid
Family:  Orchidaceae
Author:  Mill.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.45   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Grassy slopes, banks and field borders on chalk or limestone[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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