Italica Orchis (Orchis italica)

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

Orchis italica is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from October to June, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained 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

Calcareous soils in grassland, garigue and open places in pine woodland. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)