Nigritella

NIGRITELLA a genus that includes at least 15 species found in Europe in altitudes above 1000m. All species are rare and fully protected.

The plants are relative small, terrestrial, with numerous basalleaves.

The flower spike is upright, cylindrical and the blossoms are grouped into a roundish ball shape. The flowers have a vanilla sent, hence the common name “Vanilla Orchid”, and are mostly red but also white, pinkish and purple.

Unlike most orchids, many Nigritella species forms seeds without male-female cross-pollination.

Nigritella species are difficult to grow in cultivation. Some suggest it should be treated like the Dactylorhiza species and others are of the opinion that Nigritella species should be left alone, and should not be cultivated at home.