Anacamptis pyramidalis

It is found in a few sites, mainly in the western part of Mt. Paggaio. Its population has undergone a significant reduction due to extensive collection for the production of the winter emollient drink “salep”.

It is estimated that its population size is rather small. It is a slender plant up to 50 cm tall, composing of up to 12 near erect leaves. It is macroscopically distinguished by its initially short and conical inflorescence, which later becomes oval-oblong. The inflorescence itself composes of numerous small-sized flowers. The sepals are pointed, the lateral divergent; the dorsal forms a hood with the petals. The lip is 3-lobed, the lateral lobes spatulate and the median is longer and narrower. The base of the lip bears two distinct projections. On their back-side, flowers have a very long and slender spur. The species varies in the shape of the leaves and the color of the flowers. Indeed, its leaves may be linear to broadly lanceolate and the flowers may be white, pinkish or red. It got its name from its pyramidal inflorescence, which is very characteristic and allows for its easy field identification. It is found in grasslands, phrygana, shrubs, forest edges and well-lit forests. It occurs at a large altitudinal range, found from the lower altitudinal zone up to the subalpine grasslands. It usually occurs in the form of individuals, more rarely in small groups. We will see it flowering during April and June, depending on the altitude.

Due to its small population size and the observed trend in collecting orchids for the production of salep, the species is one of the most endangered. It is mainly threatened by collection, while construction that could affect its habitat might also lead to a further reduction of its population.

It is listed among the plant species of the Presidential Degree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23/Α/30-01-1981).

It is listed among the plant species of the Presidential Degree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23/Α/30-01-1981) “On the protection of native flora and fauna and defining a procedure for coordinating and controlling their research”, also as “Other Important Plant Species of Greece” by the 92/43/EEC Directive. Moreover, it is protected by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).