“Heavenly fair” – this is how a word “orchids” can be translated in Russian. They are standing out even against background of tropical forests bright by their original shape, exotic shades and unique aroma.

Heavenly fair

Starting from a high antiquity orchids have been at- tracting attention of scientists. Even in ancient epoch (370– 300 years B.C.) a Greek botanist Teophrast gave a description of orchids. Confucius mentioned orchids in his works. They were stitched on silk, drawn on paper, imaged on porcelain, described in poems... Ancient Aztecs considered orchids to be divinities and worshipped them, used to decorate temples and ceremonial clothes. Nowadays orchids are decorating coats of arms and flags, being emblems of some countries. Peristeria elata (picture 1) is considered to be a national relic of Panama, its “holy ghost”, it seems like a fragile pigeon with uplifted wings is sitting in the center of this ice-blue flower. Indians of Costa-Riсa from the ancient times has adored an amazingly beautiful orchid – Cattleyaskinneri – and now it is decorating country’s coat of arms. One more species of the genus – Cattleyamossiae – is a national flower of Venezuela. Beautiful Lycaste is a na- Picture 1 tional flower of Guatemala, Epidendrum mutelianum with Peristeria elata bright-yellow flowers in purple lines, having an unusual fra- grance is a symbol of the island Guadeloupe. The Australians were also unable to resist the . Colorful purple Nowadays about 500 stamps of 88 demonstrating Dendrobium phalaenopsis was chosen to be an emblem of orchids were issued in the world. Orchids fair Heavenly the Australian state Queensland. 1

Lapland state nature biosphere reserve Tropical orchids were brought into Europe only in the XVII variations do exist: it is whole at Limnarchis, Liparis and Pla- century, initially they were delivered in Holland. tanthera, dissected into two blades at twayblade, into three Orchids are represented on stamps. Orchid vanilla blades at Dactylorhiza, all three blades are long and filiform at (picture 2) gives the world the finest and the most expensive lizard orchis, fimbriate – at Pogonia. spice produced from its fruits. In nature vanilla flowers coming The other peculiarity of an orchid’s flower is one stamen. out only in the third year of its life and gladden one’s eyes only This single stamen grows together with a baculum and style. for one day are pollinated by small bees and humming birds. Only Paphiopedilum are an exception – they have two stamens. Vanilla from the island Guadeloupe was the first to be depict- One more systematic attribute of the Orchidaceae is their ed on a stamp in 1905. Nowadays about 500 stamps of 88 pollen. These plants have inferior ovary developing under demonstrating orchids were issued in the world. a flower, fruit-capsule. When ripened, seeds are falling from six The Orchidaceae is the second family in abundance of longitudinal slots. Capsules of tropical species reach large sizes metasperms. There are up to 35 000 wild growing and up (chicken egg-sized), our species are smaller. They are heavier to 150 000 artificially cultivated species and they constitute and smaller in numbers comparing to growing on trees stems. 10 % of all plants in the world. Why do orchids need such abundance of shapes? The answer Among abundance of their species there are no tree or is simple: all manoeuvres are to improve successful cross-fer- shrub forms, all of them are redivives. The majority of orchids tilization. For a long period of evolution these plants has adapt- are epiphytes – they inhabit stems and branches of trees, but ed to pollination by certain types of insects. Result of it was don’t think that are parasitizing on a host . Not at all! No- called by a prominent Russian biologist I.I. Mechnikov one of ble orchids use trees only as support growing in cavities and the most surprising and harmonious conformations. fractures of cortex where humus and dust are accumulated. Orchids produce a lot of and pollen and this is a fa- The other group of the Orchidaceae – is ground species. Picture 2 vorite delicacy not only for insects, but also for some species The most wonderful part of the plant is doubtless elegant Orchid vanilla of birds, for example, hummingbirds and sugar birds. Orchids flowers. A broad range of their marking – from sharply white adapted to taste of both. Birds are mainly attracted by red col- and tender pink to bright-green, dark-purple and almost black – ors of corolla, flies – by red-brownish and dirty-purple tones, becomes even broader due to various combinations of shades. butterflies – by ice-white petals shining in twilights of tropical Reticulate, striped and fancy colored flowers are met. Ophrys forests. Orchids grant their floral envelopes to some insects insectífera’s flower (photo of ophrys) resembles a large dark for blowing. Sometimes flowers are alluring insects imitating spider; when waving among branches it can scare even people. their mates. There is one more trick among plenty of the others Ophrys genus orchids are “entertainers”: they learned eas- worth mentioning. It consists in a very long blossom of un- ily to simulate butterflies, bumblebees and even mosquitoes. fertilized flowers. Thus, lady’s slipper waiting for insemination There are species which flowers can be confused with snow- doesn’t droop for more than three weeks, and immediately white pigeons (photo of Habenaria) or sparkling humming- droops after fertilization. Our orchids can blossom up to two birds. Rare flowers called Dracula simian (picture 3) are hiding weeks and tropical orchids can preserve their blossom heads cloud forests in south-east of Ecuador and Peru at the elevation during 2–3 months. about 2 thousand meters. It seems like the nature was in a good Life’ journey from a tiny seed to a gorgeous beauty – or- mood when drawing a monkey’s face on their velvet petals. chid is very complicated and different from the other plants. Orchid flowers amaze us not only by their colors but by Already Charles Darwin paid attention that orchids are trying a shape as well. They consist of six petals organized in two Picture 3 to produce as much seeds as possible. So, one capsule of spot circles. Three petals of the outer circle are almost similar, and Dracula simia orchids can contain more than 6 thousand seeds, capsule the one in the middle significantly differs from the others. For of conopsea – up to 10 thousand, capsule of but- such irregular shape Goethe called orchids ugly lilies. One can terfly orchid – up to 200 thousand. disagree with an uncomplimentary definition, but there are no But only the smallest part of seeds will survive, at the best doubts that lilies are the first-degree relatives of orchids. Lilies case one per one thousand. Seeds of light-minded beauties are are strict beauties; their hexalobed flower is considered to be almost not supplied with nutritious matters. Strange things an icon of harmony and mathematical accuracy. It has many are not over: their corcule is not divided (as the others are) symmetry axes, whereas flowers of their extravagant relatives – into a radicle, pedicle, bud and seed lobe. In compensation or- orchids have only one. chids’ seeds are very light thanks to a special membrane with The lower petal of the inner circle of a floral envelope air bubbles. doesn’t look like the others, is called labellum and fulfills an Orchids make sure that seeds are leaving their capsules important function during pollination as it serves as a “landing namely in dry “flying” weather. Capsule blades have long hy- field” for insects-pollinators. The main difference of labellum groscopical fuzzes which change their shape in wet weather: is its size – it is larger than the other petals and it has various in dry air they are twisting, mixing seeds and pushing them forms. closer to exit. But during moist weather capsules are swol- The Orchidaceae from Calypso and Paphiopedilum genera len up and safely block this exit. Botanists believe that given have labellum which is overblown and resembles accordingly a good wind and dry weather weightless orchid seeds are able

Orchids fair Heavenly Picture 4 a fine shoe. Lebellum of the other orchids is flat, but different Habenaria to travel for several tens of kilometers. Somehow or other or- 2

ABCGheritage – Our common arctic heritage variations do exist: it is whole at Limnarchis, Liparis and Pla- chids turned out to be the first plants inhabiting the island tanthera, dissected into two blades at twayblade, into three Krakatoa (Indonesia) where all alive perished in the previous blades at Dactylorhiza, all three blades are long and filiform at century after volcanic explosion. lizard orchis, fimbriate – at Pogonia. Once a seed has landed, it needs adequate moisture and The other peculiarity of an orchid’s flower is one stamen. “patron” – a mushroom. If an environment is favorable, the This single stamen grows together with a baculum and style. embryo begins to develop, forming something strange – col- Only Paphiopedilum are an exception – they have two stamens. orless, spherical, and even covered with unicellular hairs. This One more systematic attribute of the Orchidaceae is their tiny “miracle” (up to 2 mm in diameter) is called protocorm. pollen. These plants have inferior ovary developing under As if realizing that it is not too much attractive, an “ugly duck- a flower, fruit-capsule. When ripened, seeds are falling from six ling” hides underground for a long time: – up to 3 years at but- longitudinal slots. Capsules of tropical species reach large sizes terfly orchids and – up to11 years at orchis. Protocorm grad- (chicken egg-sized), our species are smaller. They are heavier ually transforms into rizorm, or as it is often called, mikorizorm and smaller in numbers comparing to growing on trees stems. (since mycorhizae is also present – a symbiosis of fungus and Why do orchids need such abundance of shapes? The answer plant roots). is simple: all manoeuvres are to improve successful cross-fer- From year to another year pale and week orchid baby tilization. For a long period of evolution these plants has adapt- builds up tiny cataphylles, increases the number of segments, ed to pollination by certain types of insects. Result of it was stores nutrient matters. And then a moment comes when the called by a prominent Russian biologist I.I. Mechnikov one of first small and mean but a real green leaf is battling its way the most surprising and harmonious conformations. to sunlight. Almost immediately after this solemn occasion Orchids produce a lot of nectar and pollen and this is a fa- a young beauty lays its first additional root. So long and hard it Picture 2 vorite delicacy not only for insects, but also for some species takes for the plant to grow. Orchid vanilla of birds, for example, hummingbirds and sugar birds. Orchids And then an orchid life develops differently. Many species adapted to taste of both. Birds are mainly attracted by red col- die off immediately after the first flowering. The others live ors of corolla, flies – by red-brownish and dirty-purple tones, longer and can delight us with their amazing flowers for sev- butterflies – by ice-white petals shining in twilights of tropical eral more years. Our butterfly orchids – are real long-livers forests. Orchids grant their floral envelopes to some insects reaching the age of 30 years. for blowing. Sometimes flowers are alluring insects imitating Generally, the Orchidaceae have three clearly distinguished their mates. There is one more trick among plenty of the others types of life cycles: accelerated, medium and slow. Orchids can worth mentioning. It consists in a very long blossom of un- remain underground for several years and live at expense of fertilized flowers. Thus, lady’s slipper waiting for insemination a fungus. Such a condition is called by botanists as secondary- doesn’t droop for more than three weeks, and immediately dormancy. It can last for quite a long time, and is even typical droops after fertilization. Our orchids can blossom up to two to forest species. There are two champions of such kind of “un- weeks and tropical orchids can preserve their blossom heads derground”: Red Helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra) and squir- during 2–3 months. rel-ear (Goodyera repens) which spent more than 20 years Life’ journey from a tiny seed to a gorgeous beauty – or- underground. They were not satisfied with amount of lighting chid is very complicated and different from the other plants. in the forest, but as soon as the site where they were hiding Already Charles Darwin paid attention that orchids are trying became lighter, both anchorites came out of their voluntary Picture 3 to produce as much seeds as possible. So, one capsule of spot imprisonment. Dracula simia leaf orchids can contain more than 6 thousand seeds, capsule Vegetative reproduction is also suitable for orchids, for ex- of Gymnadenia conopsea – up to 10 thousand, capsule of but- ample, by means of tubers. Up to 10 tubers form Dactylorhiza terfly orchid – up to 200 thousand. majalis, up to 15 – Dactylorhiza incarnata. Rhizomatous orchids But only the smallest part of seeds will survive, at the best use their rhizomes for reproduction. But there is one more rare case one per one thousand. Seeds of light-minded beauties are method among flowering plants – brood buds (for example, almost not supplied with nutritious matters. Strange things Hammarbya paludosa). They are organized on the periphery of are not over: their corcule is not divided (as the others are) a leaf and form a new plant falling down. into a radicle, pedicle, bud and seed lobe. In compensation or- And now there is a little ode to the fungi – master and chids’ seeds are very light thanks to a special membrane with feeder of orchids. They simply would not survive without fun- air bubbles. gi. For a long time scientists did not even know how important Orchids make sure that seeds are leaving their capsules is the role of this humble orchid’s friend. It was a French bota- namely in dry “flying” weather. Capsule blades have long hy- nist N. Bernard who realized it first in 1899. It took quite a long groscopical fuzzes which change their shape in wet weather: time to prove it with the help of special experiments. in dry air they are twisting, mixing seeds and pushing them If a fungus penetrates into the seed cells, amount of nu- closer to exit. But during moist weather capsules are swol- tritional matters, vitamins and growth promoters increase len up and safely block this exit. Botanists believe that given there dramatically. But do not think that orchids are just living a good wind and dry weather weightless orchid seeds are able at expense of a fungus. No, there is a symbiosis – a mutually

Picture 4 Orchids fair Heavenly Habenaria to travel for several tens of kilometers. Somehow or other or- profitable cohabitation, and orchids consolidating this strange 3

Lapland state nature biosphere reserve friendship make their modest contribution in form of thia- mine and folic acid required for fungus growth. But sometimes the process is disturbed: orchid root cells may begin to digest fungus cells or sometimes a fungus acts aggressively towards its beautiful mate dissolving its cells. Therefore, it is forced to produce special protective substances that prevent from pen- etration of fungi hyphae. Ability of these fragile creatures to defend themselves was also detected by the French scientist N. Bernard. In case of normal cooperation fungi fulfill two more im- portant functions. Firstly, it was noted that orchids are not subjected to fungous diseases (do not rot) which is typical for other plants. And secondly, more prosaic role – fungi not only feed, but also water orchids. It is hard to believe, but numerous and amazing Orchi- daceae was the last family which appeared on our planet in the vegetation world. That is why orchids are easily organized in hybrid forms. First hybrids (between Nigritella nigra and Gymnadenia conopsea) were found by scientists in the Alps. Czech biologists F. Prochazka and V. Velichek examining this Picture 7 phenomenon found that there are various hybridization types: Laelia purpurata they can form complex composite forms between three spe- Picture 5 cies. For example, the genus Dactylorhiza hybridizes with six Cattleya mossiae genera (orchis, nigritella, Anacamptis, Pseudorchis, butterfly 180 species range in Russia, only 19 of them – in the Mur- orchid and Coeloglossum); genus nigritella makes hybrids with mansk region. Our country is relatively rich in orchids, espe- eight genera, orchis and Anacamptis – with four genera, but- cially western and central regions of the European part. Here terfly orchid – with five. This unique capability of an orchid is an interesting trend is observed: from tundra to forest area used by breeders for a long time while cultivation of beautiful the number of species is increasing followed by its reduction greenhouse species from tropical ones. close to plains. Very few orchids are near the Urals. Siberia also Geographical range of the family is very broad in the has a lack of this family’s representatives. Much more orchids Northern Hemisphere it starts from Alaska and Sweden, in range in plains of the Russian European part. the Southern Hemisphere it reaches Tierra del Fuego. At that In the Far East, Amur River region and Primorye orchids 35 thousand species grow in Tropical America (more than are widely represented – there are more than 40 % of species 8 thousand species) and Asia (about 7 thousand species), the known in our country. And there are many of those growing following place for species diversity goes to the tropics of Af- only in this region. For example, Liparis japonica and Lipar- rica and Madagascar. Many orchid species are growing in New is makino, Epipactis thunbergii, Platanthera kamtschatica and Guinea, New Zealand and Australia. Among the Orchida- Platanthera sachalinensis, Galearis cyclochila, Amitostigma ceae there is a plenty of endemic species, i.e. those that are kinoshitae etc. found only in strictly limited territories. For example, one of Goodyera genus is represented in Russia by 3 species, one the most beautiful orchids in the world – Laelia (pictures of which is squirrel-ear (Goodyera repens) – has already been 6– 7). Orchids, oddly enough, even penetrated to the Arctic. included into the Red list of the Murmansk region. This fragile The most famous “polar inhabitants” are a frog orchid and light-demanding plant is one of few ever-green species. Ge- green and Corallorhiza trifida (picture 8). They are found all nus Epipactis includes more than 250 species, 8 of them are over the tundra from the Kola peninsula to Chukotka. encountered in our place. Red list includes 3 Epipactis species: Naturally, the more northern is a habitat, the less or- Epipactis palustris, Epipactis microphylla with a mild aro- chids species range. Our domestic orchids, of course, are not ma and Epipactis purpurata. so bright comparing to their tropical relatives, but they also Splendid Calypso bulbosa – is an exclusive species, included can demonstrate their beauty, and what is more importantly into the Red list of Russia. to surprise with the tenacity they express to adapt in severe From 10 species of nigritella genus (Gymnadenia) 4 spe- (compared to tropical nature) habitat conditions. There are cies are inhabiting our region, two of them are included into very modest orchids with small yellowish and greenish flow- the Red list: and Gymnadenia con- ers, for example, almost plain Listera ovata, Hammarbya palu- opsea). Coralroot genus Corallorhiza, consisting of 15 species dosa. Still most species are charming and fragile creatures with is represented in our country only by one species included into delicate exquisite aroma and pretty bright flowers, usually the Red list – Corallorhiza trifida, inhabiting even tundra zones. gathered in graceful inflorescences. Some, however, have large Picture 6 Among very rare species are representatives of the other Orchids fair Heavenly single flowers (for example, Calypso orchid) (pictures 9–10). Laelia genera included into the Red list: ghost orchid (Epipogium 4

ABCGheritage – Our common arctic heritage Picture 7 Picture 8 Picture 9 Laelia purpurata Corallorhiza trifida Calypso bulbosa

Picture 5 Cattleya mossiae 180 species range in Russia, only 19 of them – in the Mur- aphyllum), Neottianthe cucullata, black nigretella (Nigritella mansk region. Our country is relatively rich in orchids, espe- nigra),and fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera), gad-fly orchid O. oes- cially western and central regions of the European part. Here trifera and bee orchid O. apifera). an interesting trend is observed: from tundra to forest area Dactylorhiza genus having about 30 species is widely repre- the number of species is increasing followed by its reduction sented in our country (approximately 20 species). close to plains. Very few orchids are near the Urals. Siberia also Both species of Coeloglossum genus are typical for our terri- has a lack of this family’s representatives. Much more orchids tories, frog orchid (C. viride) is especially widely spread. range in plains of the Russian European part. North of Russia is home to an amazingly cold-proof species In the Far East, Amur River region and Primorye orchids from Leucorсhis genera – Leucoorchis albida. are widely represented – there are more than 40 % of species There are first candidates from the genus Listera to be in- known in our country. And there are many of those growing cluded into the Red list – these are Listera savatieri and Listera only in this region. For example, Liparis japonica and Lipar- cordata. is makino, Epipactis thunbergii, Platanthera kamtschatica and The only one representative of the genus Hammarbya – Platanthera sachalinensis, Galearis cyclochila, Amitostigma Hammarbya paludosa – gradually disappears due to reclama- kinoshitae etc. tion works. Goodyera genus is represented in Russia by 3 species, one Fragile look of beautiful orchids makes thinking that they of which is squirrel-ear (Goodyera repens) – has already been are gentle and soft. But this family never ceases to amaze bi- included into the Red list of the Murmansk region. This fragile ologists. It turns out that many species are quite endurable, light-demanding plant is one of few ever-green species. Ge- some of them are resistant to moisture and even to water nus Epipactis includes more than 250 species, 8 of them are logging (Hammarbya paludosa, Pogonia japonica, Liparis loeselii encountered in our place. Red list includes 3 Epipactis species: etc). Epipactis palustris, Epipactis microphylla with a mild clove aro- Orchids of wet soils have developed one very important ma and Epipactis purpurata. capability – to move their subterranean organs for optimal Splendid Calypso bulbosa – is an exclusive species, included plant depth. into the Red list of Russia. The majority of orchids tend to alkaline soils (calcicole), From 10 species of nigritella genus (Gymnadenia) 4 spe- fewer species inhabit acidic soils. There are even such species cies are inhabiting our region, two of them are included into that grow equally well on any type of soil (spot leaf orchids, the Red list: Gymnadenia odoratissima and Gymnadenia con- dark-winged orchids). The vast majority of orchids has adapt- opsea). Coralroot genus Corallorhiza, consisting of 15 species ed to infertile soils (butterfly orchid, Platanthera chlorantha is represented in our country only by one species included into and Corallorhiza trifida). the Red list – Corallorhiza trifida, inhabiting even tundra zones. Orchids prefer to inhabit well-lit areas, and only 15 % of Picture 6 Among very rare species are representatives of the other the species (ghost orchid, squirrel-ear and some others) are Orchids fair Heavenly Laelia genera included into the Red list: ghost orchid (Epipogium able to withstand intensive occultation. 5

Lapland state nature biosphere reserve A large number of orchids are tolerant to extreme tempera- 1. The very first by time of efflorescence and elegance – ture fluctuations. Champions of cold resistance are Pseudor- is Calypso bulbosa (picture 10), which is sometimes called chis albida, Calypso bulbosa, frog orchid, Corallorhiza trifida – a cold-resistant orchid. This is a low plant with a single elon- species digested tundra and alpine meadows. They all grow gated leave (in autumn a leaf is replaced, an orchid meets win- in our place. ter cold with a newly formed leaf). It is referred to as “bulbosa” All orchids in our country are ground plants, there are no because of a false bulb near caulis base which serves as a stor- epiphytes. The vast majority is photosynthesizing, i.e. green age organ, similar to the other representatives of the Orchi- chlorophyll-containing grass. daceae family. In the middle of June Calypso is blooming with Form of lamina may vary. For example, of nigritella one large pink-lilac flower, which fragrance is attracting bees. are linear and lanceolate, leaves of ladies’ slippers, Listera ova- A lovely plant received its named in honor of the most ta, Adder’s mouth and butterfly orchid are oval and elliptical. beautiful woman in the ancient world – a nymph and a fairy Size and leaves arrangement on orchid stems can also vary sig- Calypso. The orchid looks exotically on the background of nificantly. Leaves of some species are provided with leafs talks, mosses in coniferous or mixed forests, where they prefers to others are sessile. Even distribution of leaves along a stem is grow. typical for helleborines and ladies’-slippers. It can be alterna- The valley of a small stream, which flows into the west- tive leaves position, opposite leaves arrangement is also found, ern extremity of the Chunozero lake, under canopy of moist leaves of some species (orchids) form a rosette, sometimes spruce-forest with mosses in some periods is inhabited by having a caulis with gradually decreasing leaves (nigritella). more than 500 blooming specimen of Calypso bulbosa. Thanks Leaf color is also various – from pale to dark green, some or- to O.I. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky this place is called “the valley chids are covered with brown and blood-redspots, which are of Calypso”. popularly known as Holy Mother’s tears or job’s tears. Calypso is propagated by seeds or bulbs. This fragrant Not all orchids of our country have green leaves and caulis. plant – is a rare species included into the Red list of the region. Mycotrophic species deprived of both are found, they live at 2. Spot leaf orchis Dactylozhiza maculata can be met in expense of primitive fungi producing nutritional matters for forests and even within city boundaries. Name of the genus “lazy” orchid from dissolving organic residues. For example, Dactylorzhiza means that its root, more accurately, rhizome is they are coralroot, ghost orchid. Leaves of most orchids die branching and digitipartite. It is spotted because green leaves together with a caulis at the end of summer and only an un- are covered by spots – specks, so popularly it is referred to as derground part of a plant winters. The others stay green under job’s tears. Caulis of a spot leaf orchis is from 15 to 40 cm high snow preserving their vegetative parts (calypso, squirrel-ear Picture 10 having from 3 to 5 leaves on it. Inflorescence is up to6 cm and some species of orchids). Calypso bulbosa long, flowers are violet-pink, labellum has dark purple spots. Subterranean parts of orchids are also of diversified forms. Spot leaf orchis is the most wide-spread northern orchid Many species are characterized by formation of lateral addi- which can be seen by everyone. tional roots coming from a caulis, storage organs – bulbs. Very 3. Except a spot leaf orchis Traunstein’s Dactylorhiza Dac- often their shape is a main feature that determines a differ- tylozhiza traunsteine called in honor of a scientist-botanist ence between genera. Visually similar Orchids and Dactylorhi- Traunsteiner is also a rarely met species (only two habitats are za can be identified only by their bulbs: these subterraneous known). organs of orchids are rounded, while bulbs of Dactylorhiza are This is a perennial plant with the height of 10–30 cm and bladed, resembling small hands. Plants use them as storage of narrow straight leaves. Inflorescence consists of 5–15 pur- nutritional matters. Normally there are two bulbs: one is used plish-red flowers. Labellum is deep with three blades and elon- in a current year, the second one is building up storage for gated middle lobe, of a purplish-pink color, with a dark pattern the next year. Instead of bulbs many species form rhizomes – of oblongated dashes, up to 7–10 mm long and 9–12 mm underground horizontal offshoots with pale scale-like leaves. wide. Blossoms in July. One of the most northern populations They don’t only fulfill a storing function, but are also involved in Europe is growing in the Murmansk region. in vegetative reproduction (squirrel-ear, heart-leaved twain 4. Gymnadenia orchid or fragrant orchid Gymnadenia blade). conopsea (picture 13). Very original rhizomes are formed by mycotrophic species: The generic name Gymnadenia is derived from the Greek Bird’s-nest Orchid is weaving a real bird’s nest underground, word gimnos (“naked”) and aden (“gland”), because of Polli- Corallorhiza trifida forms a “coral tree”, ghost orchid forms naria denuded glands. Pollinaria – are compact orchid pollen a whole vegetation bed from rhizomes. Calypso orchid’s sub- sacks, with a pedicle and adhesive glandule – retinaculum. terranean organs resemble bulbs – pseudo-bulbs. Their soft This plant is about 12–18 cm high with 4–7 alternate oblong mucous tissues stockpile nutritive substance and water. leaves. Flowers of a fragrant orchid are violet-pink, sessile, col- So, we were introduced with one of the most interesting lected in a thick cylindrical spica. They attract insects by their and beautiful families of angiosperms. smell strengthening toward evening and offer them nectar in Totally 19 species from 15 genera of orchids are represent- a long curved spur. ed in the territory of the Murmansk region. The Lapland Re- Picture 11 Is found across the territory of the reserve, often in forests, Orchids fair Heavenly serve is inhabitant by ten species. Corallorriza trifida belt of birch crooked forest, occasionally – in tundra. 6

ABCGheritage – Our common arctic heritage 1. The very first by time of efflorescence and elegance – 5. Heart-leaved twayblade Listera ovata is Calypso bulbosa (picture 10), which is sometimes called It is a gentle modest plain plant with a thin caulis a thin a cold-resistant orchid. This is a low plant with a single elon- creeping rhizome, with a height from 10 to 20 cm, a couple of gated leave (in autumn a leaf is replaced, an orchid meets win- green leaves is located in the middle of a thin caulis opposite ter cold with a newly formed leaf). It is referred to as “bulbosa” each other. Raceme is thin, up to 4 cm in length, consists of because of a false bulb near caulis base which serves as a stor- 4–10 greenish small flowers. Labellum is oblong, violet-purple, age organ, similar to the other representatives of the Orchi- dissected into two linear lobes. daceae family. In the middle of June Calypso is blooming with Like all orchids Heart-leaved twayblade is characterized by one large pink-lilac flower, which fragrance is attracting bees. unique structure of internal flower elements. Pistil fuses with A lovely plant received its named in honor of the most a single stamen. One stigma blade is functioning properly, i.e. beautiful woman in the ancient world – a nymph and a fairy serves as a pollen-catching surface, and the other part is modi- Calypso. The orchid looks exotically on the background of fied in so-called beak. It forms a kind of arch above a stigmatic mosses in coniferous or mixed forests, where they prefers to surface, covering it in the beginning of blossom. Ovate anther grow. with two pollen masses inside is located above a beak. Anoth- The valley of a small stream, which flows into the west- er opens already within a flower bud and pollen masses are ly- ern extremity of the Chunozero lake, under canopy of moist ing on a beak. They are protected by elongated top of filament. spruce-forest with mosses in some periods is inhabited by Heart-leaved twayblade has a very interesting mechanism more than 500 blooming specimen of Calypso bulbosa. Thanks of cross-fertilization. There is a stria in the middle of an elon- to O.I. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky this place is called “the valley gated labellum which produces and accumulates nectar. Small of Calypso”. insects (Diptera and Hymenoptera) use a labellum as a land- Calypso is propagated by seeds or bulbs. This fragrant ing surface. Licking nectar, they gradually move toward a cen- plant – is a rare species included into the Red list of the region. ter of a flower; after satiation insects rear and touch a beak. 2. Spot leaf orchis Dactylozhiza maculata can be met in At the same time a beak bleeds with a drop of sticky liquid forests and even within city boundaries. Name of the genus produced in special chambers. This fluid is attached to pollen Dactylorzhiza means that its root, more accurately, rhizome is masses and an insect and instantly dries. Thus insects become branching and digitipartite. It is spotted because green leaves unwitting assistants: visiting other flowers they touch stigmas are covered by spots – specks, so popularly it is referred to as and leaves pollen on it. Access to stigmatic surface is free in job’s tears. Caulis of a spot leaf orchis is from 15 to 40 cm high a result of beak drying in those flowers where pollen masses Picture 10 having from 3 to 5 leaves on it. Inflorescence is up to 6 cm has been already extracted. Calypso bulbosa long, flowers are violet-pink, labellum has dark purple spots. 6. Pseudorchid Leucorchis albida Spot leaf orchis is the most wide-spread northern orchid A plant with a low caulis (12–40 cm) and a bulb, digitpartite which can be seen by everyone. almost up to a base into thin and long lobes. Oblong leaves, 3. Except a spot leaf orchis Traunstein’s Dactylorhiza Dac- from 3 to 5 pieces, reach 8 cm. Inflorescence – is a thick cylin- tylozhiza traunsteine called in honor of a scientist-botanist drical many-flowered spike let of 10–40 small pale-yellowish Traunsteiner is also a rarely met species (only two habitats are flowers. Bracts are lance late, shorter than flowers. One of the known). most northern populations of European Russia is represented This is a perennial plant with the height of 10–30 cm and in the Murmansk region. narrow straight leaves. Inflorescence consists of 5–15 pur- 7. Corallorriza trifida or coral root (photo 11). plish-red flowers. Labellum is deep with three blades and elon- Non-green (saprophytic) plant with a coral-shape whit- gated middle lobe, of a purplish-pink color, with a dark pattern ish rhizome, branched into short lateral branches. Stems are of oblongated dashes, up to 7–10 mm long and 9–12 mm straight, thin, denuded, yellowish, reaching 10–30 cm, leaves wide. Blossoms in July. One of the most northern populations are replaced by tubular leaf flakes dressing a caulis from below. in Europe is growing in the Murmansk region. From 2 to 10 small drooping, yellowish or greenish-whitish 4. Gymnadenia orchid or fragrant orchid Gymnadenia flowers are located on caulis top. Coral root prefers shaded conopsea (picture 13). areas with a rich humus layer in coniferous and deciduous for- The generic name Gymnadenia is derived from the Greek ests, on their edges, on outskirts of sphagnum bogs and grown word gimnos (“naked”) and aden (“gland”), because of Polli- wild roads and paths. The flower is not rare for the reserve, but naria denuded glands. Pollinaria – are compact orchid pollen is only visible in blossom period, so is known to few. sacks, with a pedicle and adhesive glandule – retinaculum. 8. Squirrel-ear Goodyera repens. This plant is about 12–18 cm high with 4–7 alternate oblong Is named after the English botanist of the XVII century leaves. Flowers of a fragrant orchid are violet-pink, sessile, col- J. Goodyera. One of the few Russian evergreen orchids. Its lected in a thick cylindrical spica. They attract insects by their leaves overwinter and die off only during a next spring, and smell strengthening toward evening and offer them nectar in sometimes even in a year. Therefore, there is a lot of faded a long curved spur. but well-reserved leaves at caulis base. Squirrel-ear shoots Picture 11 Is found across the territory of the reserve, often in forests, early (in June), but starts blooming in early August and lasts Orchids fair Heavenly Corallorriza trifida belt of birch crooked forest, occasionally – in tundra. for about two weeks. Fruits ripen in 1.5–2 months. Plant height 7

Lapland state nature biosphere reserve is up to 30 cm, inflorescence consists of5–15 small white flowers. Goodyera is a cross-pollinated plant, its flowers have a sweet smell that attracts insects. It is very sensitive to light – in case of an intensive shading it can switch to an underground lifestyle and saprotrophic way of feeding for several years, and in lightening reappear above the ground. In favorable con- ditions a squirrel-ear forms huge accumulations numbering in tens of rosettes, but it never dominates in a grass canopy. 9. Frog orchid Coeloglossum viride Muted low orchid is a perennial with a bipartite root. Caulis reaches a height of 35 cm, with a few elongated leaves, no root rosette. Inflorescence is up to 10 cm long, consisting of twenty flowers. A flower itself is up to 5–7 mm, outer tepals and ovary are often painted in a reddish or brownish color. Like all the orchids a flower has a complex structure. Blossoms in July and August, and occasionally are found throughout the reserve. Symbiosis with soil fungi is noticed in all periods of development. 10. Bog Adder’s-mouth Orchid. Hammarbya paludosa. The rarest orchid in the Lapland reserve. And is the small- est one, its height ranges from 5 to 20 cm, caulis is yellow- ish with 2–3 yellow-green leaves. Inflorescence is loose, ma- ny-flowered, flowers are plain. The only area of inhabitation in the reserve is trichophoretum bog south of Chunozero lake between Vuytemnyark and Tuyplpahk. An interesting feature of this orchid is that tiny roundish bulblets located on leaves Picture 12 edge are used for vegetative reproduction. Such a method of Dactylozhiza maculata reproduction is rare among orchids. Talking about orchids of the Lapland reserve one more spe- cies shall be mentioned – Ghost orchid Epipogium aphyllum, which was discovered in the 1980s in Vaikis river valley. Her- barium specimen are not preserved. Since then several expeditions to Vaikis river valley have been organized to find it, but still there is no luck. Ghost or- chid becomes noticeable only during blooming period due to attractive and gentle quite large pink and white flowers. It is completely devoid of chlorophyll, feeding is supplied via symbiotic soil fungi. Rhizome is juicy, coral-shaped, branch- ing. Above ground part is represented by one straight yellow- ish-white flower bearing caulis. The name itself chosen for this plant is not accidental. Its leaves are reduced to small scales of the same color as the caulis. The attraction to this orchid is given by a few (2–8 flow- ers) raceme. Flowers have a very weak delicate aroma. Floral envelope leaves are yellowish, downcast, resemble tentacles of marine animals. Previously some botanists called it beard, which accounts for the Latin (and Russian) name of the plant (from the Greek epi – “above”, pogon – “beard”). Ghost or- chid doesn’t blossom annually. Cross-pollination is carried out by bumblebees. Reproduction is mainly vegetative carried out by rhizome outgrowth, which buds are developed into plants quickly losing relations with maternal ones. Orchids outlived the dinosaurs and several ice ages – in the Dominican Republic in a piece of amber aged of about 20 mil- lion years old a bee was discovered with a pollinarium (a spe- Picture 13 Orchids fair Heavenly cial facility for storing orchid pollen) sticked to its body. Gymnadenia conopsea 8

ABCGheritage – Our common arctic heritage