Scented Gymnadenia
Gymnadenia odoratissima (L.) Rich.

Gymnadenia odoratissima, known as the Scented Gymnadenia, is a species of orchid in the Orchidaceae family. It is found in regions such as Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, and others across Europe. This orchid typically grows in grassland habitats and is calcicole, meaning it thrives in calcareous soils. It was first described in 1817.
Description
Gymnadenia odoratissima is characterized by a stem height of 15–30 (–45) cm, linear and acute leaves, and perianth segments measuring 2–5–3 mm. The outer lateral segments are patent, and the labellum is 2–3–3 mm with lateral lobes shorter than the middle. The spur is 4–5 mm, obtuse, and as long as or slightly shorter than the ovary. A record from northern England requires confirmation. The species is distinguished by its short spur and fragrant properties. It is part of the genus Gymnadenia and is distributed across various European countries, including the Baltic States, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, and parts of Russia. Its ecological preference is for grassland environments with calcareous soils.
Other common names
Scented GymnadeniaShort Spurred Fragrant Orchid
Distribution
SE · NO · Global · Belgium · Walloon Region · Austria · Baltic States · Belarus · Central European Rus · Czechoslovakia · East European Russia · France · Germany · Greece · Hungary · Italy · Poland · Romania · Spain · Sweden · Switzerland · Ukraine · Yugoslavia
Synonyms
Orchis erubescensOrchis odoratissimaSatyrium odoratissimumGymnadenia odoratissima var. suaveolensGymnadenia odoratissima var. borealisGymnadenia odoratissima var. stenostachyaGymnadenia odoratissima var. carpathicaGymnadenia odoratissima f. borealisGymnadenia odoratissima f. stenostachyaGymnadenia odoratissima f. carpathicaGymnadenia odoratissima var. ideaGymnadenia rhodopeaHabenaria odoratissimaOrchis conopsea subsp. odoratissimaGymnadenia odoratissima var. ecalcarataGymnadenia odoratissima var. macrocheileaOrchis erubescensGymnadenia odoratissima var. carpathicaGymnadenia odoratissima f. carpathicaGymnadenia odoratissima lus. alba