Orchis simia is a close relative to Orchis militaris, but it needs even more warmth. It is a sub-mediterranean plant which can be found very rarely on semi-dry lime meadows.

The blossoms of this orchid look like a small monkey with long arms and legs, thus the name.

The panicle of this orchid has an interesting feature, the blossoms open from top to bottom instead from bottom to top like the most other european orchids.

This is one of the more difficult orchids in garden culture. It needs a sunny lime bed, perhaps with protection from frost and too much rain.