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Orchid Gallery

Himantoglossium hircinum

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Himantoglossium hircinum Introduction Vanda coerulea Stanhopea wardii Catasetum pileatum Tolumnia bahamensis Phalaenopsis Taisuco Kochidan Masdevallia ignea Brassia rex Himantoglossium hircinum Laelia purpurata Aerides odorata Spathoglottis plicata Schomburgkia splendida Dendrobium stratiotes Phragmepedium caudatum Coelogyne massangeana
 

Called the "lizard orchid" for its strangely jutting tongue, Himantoglossium hircinum grows in the dry grasslands, forests, and sand dunes of Europe and North Africa. This robust, thick-stemmed orchid grows to heights of more than 24 inches and can support as many as 80 blossoms. H. hircinum survives well in cultivation, but it is best kept outdoors, for it produces a noxious odor, especially in the early evening.

 





     
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