Val de Briey. Do you know what virtue was attributed to the male orchid?

This is perhaps the most common wild terrestrial orchid in our region. It blooms from mid-April in partial shade: hedge edges, scrubland, edges of forests, light woods. The male orchid is easily recognized by its purple color. Its leaves may be speckled with brown.

Male orchid, male satyrion, or even mad male! These names are a direct legacy of the theory of signatures. In the 16th century, it was believed that the shape of plants was supposed to reveal their use and function, the famous "similia similibus curantur" of Paracles, "like cures like."

And this orchid, like some others, has roots in the shape of... testicles! (Moreover, orkhis means testicle in Latin). Imagine the virtues attributed to this plant! Doctor Vernette published from London, in 1779 in Génération de l'homme , "to become powerfully excited for love, you only need to hold one in both hands, during the act itself."

In mainland France, the male orchid is classified as a least concern. It is subject to European regulations and local protections. While it is relatively common in Lorraine, this is not the case in Upper Normandy or Picardy, where it is considered endangered. Since orchids are protected, it is prohibited to pick them.