Epipactis phyllanthes var. vectensis - Green-flowered Helleborine - (Orchidaceae)

Green-flowered helleborine var vectensis

An unusually attractive plant of Epipactis Phyllanthes

Epipactis phyllanthes var.vectensis is as confusing as other members of the Green-flowered helleborine genus. Known to occur in the Isle of White, it is also to be found growing in Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales where these specimens where photographed in a woodland location. The distinguishing feature of the flower is a deeply-divided lip that surrounds a small hypochile - see below.

Close up picture of Green-flowered Helleborine var. vectensis

We found this plant in woodland on sandy substrate, and for once, the flowers were open - the flowers of Epipactis phyllanthes frequently don't open at all. It is thought that the flower is sometimes cleistogamous - self-pollination takes place in the bud.

The plants on this page were photographed at the end of July. The flowers persist until well into August, and Kenfig has plants in woodland and sand dune habitats in remote parts of the reserve.