Serapias vomeracea - Long-lipped Tongue Orchid - (Orchidaceae)

Whole plant picture of Serapias vomeracea

The long lip of Serapias vomeracea is the distinguishing feature of this Tongue Orchid, but the more the more species we look at the more confused we become, and there appear to be many specimens which illustrate a considerable overlap between the various named species. Colour is also variable between brick-red to pale yellow although the paler specimens are much rarer.

Serapias vomeracea

The long lip of Serapias vomeracea

Serapias vomeracea is widespread throughout Europe and can be found in many Atlantic and Mediterranean countries. It flowers from mid-April onwards, and in the more northerly countries can still be found in June. This orchid is tolerant of a number of habitats and grows in garrigue, coastal locations and short grasslands, but can also be found in damp fields and in open woodland on limestone and mildly acidic substrates. France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus are some of the European countries where this orchid is widespread.

A yellow-flowered example of Serapias vomeracea

A very pale yellow example of Serapias vomeracea with a very pointed lip

The plants shown on this page were photographed in the Lot Valley in France (top) and in Italy on the Gargano Peninsula in late April.