It's not that easy to correctly identify an orchid species from countless native genera. We would like to use the following examples to illustrate how you can approach the solution step by step using a determination key.
How can I correctly identify orchid species?
To identify orchids, use an identification key that leads to the correct species based on the leaf position, flower shape, spur and color. For example, for lady's slipper orchids, you can use key-based criteria to identify Cypripedium calceolus.
First step: identify the orchid as such
Before you consult an identification key, you should be certain that you actually have an orchid in front of you. To do this, take a look at the flowers. An orchid flower is composed of 3 sepals as an outer bract circle. The inner bract circle is formed by 3 petals. One leaf forms into a lip, the unmistakable characteristic of an orchid flower.
The lip is optionally equipped with or without a spur and is designed as an easy landing site for pollinators. In lady's slipper orchids, the lip acts as a cauldron flower trap for curious bees and bumblebees.
How to Identify a Lady's Slipper Orchid Step-by-Step
The yellow lady's slipper orchid is the only Cypripedium native to Germany. Anyone who moves through fields and forests with their eyes open can hope for an encounter. Use the following identification key to reveal the identity:
- Key 1 Leaves: Plant with completely leafy stems
- Key 2 Flower shape: flowers without spur
- Key 2a Flower shape: Flowers with shoe-shaped lip
- Key 3 Flower color: yellow-brown
- Result: Cypripedium calceolus (Yellow Lady's Slipper)
If, on the other hand, you come to the conclusion in key 2 that it is a flower with a long spur, from here the identification key branches off towards other types of orchids, such as the Greater Handelwort (Gymnadenia conopsea) with up to 20 cm long flower spur.
Tip
Have you identified a magnificent lady's slipper orchid in the wild using the identification key? Then respectful admiration and detailed photography is permitted. Since the floral treasure is threatened with extinction in Germany, a Cypripedium calceolus is subject to nature conservation. Picking or digging up is punishable by heavy fines.