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Musk Orchid Wikimedia Commons
Orchidaceae

Musk Orchid

Herminium monorchis

Subtle beauty.

Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Herminium
Native to
Europe, Asia
Bloom season
Summer
Type
perennial
Height
4-10 inches
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Soil
alkaline, calcareous
Water
moderate
Hardiness
5-8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The musk orchid gets its name from the sweet, musky fragrance of its tiny flowers.
  • It is one of the smallest orchids in Europe, often overlooked because of its diminutive size.
  • Each plant typically produces just a single rounded tuber, which is reflected in its species name 'monorchis' meaning 'one testicle.'
  • The flowers are only about 3mm across, making them some of the tiniest orchid blooms.
  • It is becoming increasingly rare across Europe due to habitat loss and is protected in many countries.

Color meanings

0

delicacy

1

refinement

2

hidden charm

Uses

  • conservation interest
  • wildflower appreciation