Lady’s Tresses

November 26th, 2009

Botanical Name: Spiranthes autumnalis (ORICH.)
Family: N.O. Spiranthideoe
Synonyms: Ophrys spiralis – L., Spiranthes autumnalis – Rich.
Part Used: Tuberous root.
Habitat: Dry, hilly fields all over Europe – towards the Caucasus. (Lady’s Tresses grow on the Sussex downs near Amberley. – EDITOR.)
Europe, including Britain, south and east from Denmark to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Hilly pastures, downs, moist meadows and grassy coastal dunes, usually on a calcareous substratum[17]. Dry hilly fields.

Description: This orchis takes its name from speira (a ’spiral’) and anthos (a flower), inallusion to the spiral arrangement of the flowers. Rootstock produces every season two or three oblong tubers and a tuft of spreading, radical, ovate leaves about 1 inch long, a flowering stem 6 or 8 inches high by the side of the tuft of leaves. Blooms in autumn (from August to September), flowers a greenishwhite, smelling like almonds, in a close spinal spike about 2 inches long, diverging horizontally to one side – with the bracts erect on opposite side, in appearance not unlike lilies of the valley.
Spiranthes_autumnalis_Rich ... Spiranthes_autumnalis_flower
Click to see different pictures of Spiranthes autumnalis:

The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.In the evening the flowers diffuse a penetrating almond-like perfume like heliotrope.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil.

Cultivation:
See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs. Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid. This species is one of the commonest orchids in Britain, though it is often overlooked because it flowers so late. It sometimes naturalizes in lawns, especially where these overly a chalk substrate or a turf from chalky land has been used to make the lawn. In the evening the flowers diffuse a penetrating almond-like perfume like heliotrope.

Propagation:
Seed – surface sow, preferably as soon as it is ripe, in the greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed of this species is extremely simple, it has a minute embryo surrounded by a single layer of protective cells. It contains very little food reserves and depends upon a symbiotic relationship with a species of soil-dwelling fungus. The fungal hyphae invade the seed and enter the cells of the embryo. The orchid soon begins to digest the fungal tissue and this acts as a food supply for the plant until it is able to obtain nutrients from decaying material in the soil. It is best to use some of the soil that is growing around established plants in order to introduce the fungus, or to sow the seed around a plant of the same species and allow the seedlings to grow on until they are large enough to move. Division in autumn. Make sure that you keep plenty of soil with each plant. It is also said to be possible to transplant orchids after they have flowered but whilst they are still in leaf.

Medicinal Action and Uses: Aphrodisiac; Homeopathy.

The tuberous root has been used as an aphrodisiac. A tincture of the root is used as a homeopathic remedy. It is used in the treatment of skin affections, painful breasts, pain in the kidneys and eye complaints

A tincture of the root is used in homeopathy for skin affections, painful breasts, pain in the kidneys and eye complaints.

Has been used for milk-flow in nursing women, lumbago and rheumatism, colic, with drowsiness and spasmodic yawning. Is an anti-phlogistic remedy akin to Acon. its symptoms showing congestion and inflammation. Acidity and burning in oesophagus with eructation.

Female.
Pruritis; vulva red; dryness and burning in vagina. Burning pain in vagina during coition. Leucorrhoea, bloody.

Extremities.
Sciatic pain, especially right side. Pain in shoulders. Swelling of veins of hands. Pain in all articulation of hands. Coldness of feet and toes.

Fever.
Flushes of heat. Sweat on palms. Hands alternately hot and cold.

Dose.
Third potency.

Other Species:
Spiranthes diuretica, used in Chile in cases of ischury.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/ladtru07.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&search=Spiranthes+autumnalis&fulltext=Search

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/homeopathy_advice/Remedies/MATERA_MEDICA/spira.html

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Spiranthes+spiralis