Burnt Orchid
Neotinea ustulata
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neotinea_ustulata
Overview
Neotinea ustulata, the burnt orchid or burnt-tip orchid, is a European terrestrial orchid native to mountains in central and southern Europe, growing at up to 2,400 m (7,900 ft) elevation. The plant is considered Endangered in Great Britain and Least Concern internationally based on IUCN Red List criteria. The burnt-tip orchid was voted the county flower of Wiltshire in 2002 following a poll by the wild flora conservation charity Plantlife.
The Burnt Orchid faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized grassland ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices have eliminated or fragmented the calcareous grasslands this species requires. Climate change and reduced grazing pressure further threaten the delicate ecological balance needed for this orchid's survival.
Habitat
Neotinea ustulata is distributed throughout central and south Europe, with its main populations in Spain and Greece in the south, reaching England and southern Sweden in the north, and reaching as far east as the Caucasus and Ural mountains. It grows as high as elevation in the Carpathian mountains and the Alps. It typically grows on chalky subsoil (occasionally acidic soils) in grassland; fens...
Other threatened species in Orchidaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Burnt Orchid classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Burnt Orchid live?
What are the main threats to Burnt Orchid?
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