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Which Orchis species have flowers that resemble helmeted human figures?
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Orchid
Yellow flowers of a cymbidium orchid (Cymbidium species).
Several species within the genus Orchis are noted for flowers that resemble helmeted human figures. These include:
- Common man orchid (Orchis anthropophora): Its flowers feature a lobed central labellum that forms the torso and limbs, resembling a helmeted man.12
- Naked man orchid (O. italica): Also known as the Italian orchid, its clustered flowers resemble a hatted, naked human figure.12
- Monkey orchid (O. simia): Recognized for its resemblance to a human figure.2
- Soldier, or military, orchid (O. militaris): Named for the appearance of its flowers, which also evoke the shape of a helmeted figure.2
While many Orchis species possess petals and sepals that form a helmetlike structure, these specific varieties are particularly noted for their humanlike appearance.2