This handsome orchid was first described from Var in 1807 and its name comes from Monsieur G. N. Robert, a French botanist of the late 18th and early 19th century. The species is commonly known as the Giant Orchid and is a thoroughly familiar one with orchidologists who have spent time in the Mediterranean during early Spring.
H. robertianum is a widespread species which although unaccountably absent or rare in certain area's
can equally be locally abundant in its favoured locations. Its distribution is largely centred on the
Mediterranean countries but also includes the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal in the west and
as far as Anatolia in the east.
H. robertianum is a huge orchid that can exceed 100 cms in height and is virtually impossible to confuse with any other species apart from its fellow group member H. metlesicsianum, which is closely related
but has long led an isolated life on the island of Tenerife in the Canary islands and is separated by several hundred miles of open ocean from its probable progenitor.
It will grow in full sun to mid shade on alkaline soils and its stature makes it a useful plant as a marker when looking out for good orchid habitat from a moving car ! Interestingly it has a very pleasant scent reminiscent of lilly of the valley.
H. robertianum has had a complex generic history having variously been an ,Orchis, Acerus and then an Himantoglossum before becoming a Barlia and then returning again to its current placement within
genus Himantoglossum. It has always however been known as a Giant Orchid.
