First step: identify the orchid as such
Before consulting an identification key, it should be unequivocally established that you actually have an orchid in front of you. To do this, take a look at the flowers. An orchid flower is composed of 3 sepals (sepals) as an outer bract circle. The inner circle of bracts is formed by 3 petals. A leaf from this forms a lip, the unmistakable characteristic of an orchid blossom.
also read
- These orchids are native to Germany
- Popular orchids and their popular names - an overview
- These orchids are hardy - a selection of beautiful garden orchids
The lip is optionally equipped with or without a spur and designed as a simple landing place for the pollinators. In lady's slipper orchids, the lip acts as a kettle flower trap for curious bees and Bumblebees.
How to identify a lady's slipper orchid step-by-step
The yellow lady's slipper orchid is the only Cypripedium native to Germany. Anyone who walks in the field and forest with open eyes can hope for an encounter. You can use the following identification key to reveal the identity:
- Key 1 foliage: plant with completely leafy stems
- Key 2 flower shape: flowers without a spur
- Key 2a Flower shape: Flowers with a shoe-shaped lip
- Key 3 flower color: yellow-brown
- Result: Cypripedium calceolus (yellow lady's slipper)
On the other hand, if you come to the conclusion with key 2 that it is a flower with a long spur, the branch branches from here Identification key in the direction of other orchid species, such as the great Händelwurz (Gymnadenia conopsea) with a length of up to 20 cm Flowering spurs.
Tips
Have you identified a magnificent lady's slipper orchid in the wild with the help of the identification key? Then respectful admiring and detailed photography is allowed. Since the floral treasure in Germany is threatened with extinction, a Cypripedium calceolus is subject to nature conservation. Picking or digging is punishable by heavy fines.
