The origin of muş salep and orchids the vicinity of muş

Abstract

Our aim is to clarify the species used for production of salep, production methods of orchids in Altınova region of Haskoy and Bulanık districts of Muş province. The orchids species were collected from Muş province, Hasköy district around Altınova town and around Bulanık district. Moreover, our research showed that salep is collected from Diyarbakır as well. The methods and the species used to obtain salep in these areas were determined. Segmentary tubers collected from Muş province, Hasköy district around Altınova town and around Bulanık district belong to Dactylorhiza umbrosa, Dactylorhiza iberica. As for The round tubers, they are Anacamptis palustris, Orchis pseudolaxiflora, Anacamptis coriophora. In the area, 7 orchids species were determined. The species belong to 4 orchids genera. Two of the species are rhizomatous. Every year millions of orchids are being destructed to obtain salep. This destruction especially endangers the salep species growing in meadows.