Holy Orchid

Anacamptis sancta (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase

Anacamptis sancta, known as the Holy Orchid, is a species in the Orchidaceae family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean, including regions such as Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, and Turkey. The species was first described in 1756 but was initially a nomen nudum. It was later validated in 1759 and formally published in 1997 by R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon, and M.W. Chase.

Description

Anacamptis sancta is closely related to Anacamptis coriophora and is found in the eastern Mediterranean region. The species was first mentioned in Fl. Palaestina in 1756 but lacked a formal diagnosis at that time, making it a nomen nudum. The name was later validated in 1759. The type specimen is illustrated in a publication from 1989. The species is part of the Orchidaceae family and is known by the common name Holy Orchid in English and other languages.