A. pyramidalis was first described by L.C.M Richard from Oxford (England) in 1753 and its name alludes to the pyramidal shape of the inflorescence.
This species is pollinated by a variety of moths and butterflies and the mechanism by which it attaches its
pollinia to the proboscis of insects was first described by no less an authority than Charles Darwin in his
Fertilisation of Orchids.
This is a widespread and extremely common orchid that is present throughout most of Europe apart from the
Scandinavian countries. Its northerly distribution reaches Britain, Germany ( albeit very rare ) and Poland
and extends as far as north Africa in the south. It is exclusively a plant of calcareous soils but otherwise tolerates a broad range of habitat from dry to damp conditions and full sun to relatively deep shade.
Although A. pyramidalis is variable in terms of colouration and size it's a remarkably stable species in most
respects and is not easily confused with any other orchid. Hybidization is not unknown but is not however
at all common.
Variants have been described but these seem primarily to be colour morph's and of little or no evolutionary
significance.
The pictures come from a range of European countries ( including Britain) and date from March (Cyprus) to
July (Wales). Picture 5 depicts an unusual specimen from Mount Hymettus near Athens.
