Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Lizard orchid (Himantoglossum hircinum)

This tall orchid carries up to 150 greenish-purple flowers on the flower spike (5) (6) (7). The common name refers to the flowers, which are said to look like lizards, with a long twisting tail and two 'legs' formed from the lips, and the petals and sepals forming the 'head' (5). The leaves are dull green in colour and often wither before the flowers open (7). The scientific name Himantoglossum derives from the Greek for 'strap-tongue' and hircinum is Latin for 'goat-like', this refers to the strong, foul smell of the flowers. In most other European languages it is known as '(Billy or male) goat orchid' (7).
THE VIDEO..

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