A genus comprised of terrestrial orchids (family Orchidaceae) native to Eurasia and northern Africa. The tuberous roots of the early purple orchid (Orchis mascula) and several other species contain a nutritive starch. In southern Europe they are collected and dried to produce a flour that is mixed with sugar, flavourings, and liquid (such as water or milk) to produce a drink called salep.

Britannica Editors. "Orchis". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Sep. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/plant/Orchis. Accessed 18 October 2026.