Serapias vomeracea
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (5) · fruit (3) · bark (3) · habit (5) · other (1)

Serapias vomeracea

Tongue orchid · Long-lipped Tongue-orchid · Long-lipped serapias

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: partial_sun
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 7–10
Click count
74
Observations
1,743

Description

Source: leafsnap

Serapias vomeracea, commonly known as the Naked Man Orchid, is an orchid species native to the Mediterranean region. This terrestrial orchid can grow up to 40 cm tall and typically produces one or two flowers on a single stem. The flowers, which are pinkish-purple in color, have a distinctive shape that resembles the head of a naked man with outstretched arms. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer and thrives in well-drained soils in sunny locations such as meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. Unfortunately, it is an endangered species due to habitat loss caused by urbanization and agricultural activities. Serapias vomeracea has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties in traditional medicine. However, it should not be consumed without proper medical supervision, as it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C
Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Serapias
Family
Orchidaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, Purple, Red, Brown
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer

Tags (4)

Common Names (3)

en Tongue orchid
en Long-lipped Tongue-orchid
en Long-lipped serapias