The pyramidal orchid, thought extinct in Poland almost 100 years ago, has been re-discovered in the northwest of the country.

The beautiful 30 cm high plant derives its name from the characteristic arrangement of its flowers, which are usually pink to purple.

According to the Polish Red Book of Plants it used to grow in 13 areas and was last seen in 1933 near the mid-western city of Poznan.

Botanist Pawel Plucinski from the Naturalists Association has just come across 99 pyramidal orchids in the Lower Odra River Natura 2000 protected area. Happy as they were, specialists did not immediately break news. They wanted to make sure the orchid will be well protected. Having become extinct, this plant is not covered by Poland’s wildlife protection laws.

Orchid is a name deriving from the Greek word testicle – orchis. In the 18th century they were in such demand that rare species could easily purchase a house. Orchid hunters had to brave tropical climate and diseases, blood hungry insects and risk their life in confrontation with local tribes and other hunters to bring the treasured flowers to Europe. (kk/pg)