Bug Orchis (Orchis coriophora)

Family: Orchidaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Orchis coriophora is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell. — It is a source of 'salep', a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder.; Salep is a starch-like substance with a sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell.; It is said to be very nutritious and is made into a drink or can be added to cereals and used in making bread etc.; One ounce of salep is said to be enough to sustain a person for a day.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry or damp pastures and marshes in hills and mountains. Usually found on acid soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)