Early purple orchid (Kaćun)
Orchis mascula · Orchidaceae
Early purple orchid
Orchis mascula
Kaćun
Orchidaceae
Botanical note
A native Dinaric wild orchid of wetland and meadow edges — earliest of the spring blooms, tuberous, flowering April–June. A protected species. In Bosnia it is found at Hutovo Blato, the Bardača wetland reserve, and Blidinje Nature Park.
Traditionally used
⚠ A protected wild orchid — witnessed in the field, never gathered. The traditional "salep," from cultivated or ethically sourced tubers only, swells in water to a soothing mucilaginous jelly long given for irritation of the stomach and gut, and as a gentle nourishing food for children and the convalescent.
Prepared as
Salep jelly — about one part dried tuber powder to fifty parts water, warmed and stirred until it thickens, then flavoured and taken like arrowroot. ⚠ Wild collection is prohibited (protected species); use cultivated tubers only.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
European materia medica — Grieve, A Modern Herbal; Plants for a Future (salep demulcent tradition). Conservation: protected wild orchid; salep trade endangers wild populations.
Kept alongside