Epipactis helleborine var. albifolia/monotropoides - Broad-leaved Helleborine
Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Liliopsida - Order: Orchidales - Family: Orchidaceae
Broad-leaved Helleborine is common throughout its range and grows in dark woodlands, quite often appearing very close to well trodden paths. Coniferous and Beech woodlands are particularly good for Epipactis helleborine. Far less common is this white-flowered variety Epipactis helleborine var. albifolia, as also is the purple flowered Epipactis helleborine var. purpurea and the Green-flowered variety Epipactis helleborine var. viridiflora.
Description
Epipactis helleborine var. albifolia differs from other kinds of Broad-leaved Helleborine in both its flowers and its leaves, which are predominantly white (although pale pink flowers are also recorded).
Lacking in green pigment which would enable it to photsynthesise, it this orchid is probably dependent throughout most if not all its life on a symbiotic relationship with mycrorrhizal fungi in the soil.
Distribution
The plants shown on this page were found in Deep Hayes Country Park in Staffordshire. Because of its rarity it is difficult to form an opinion as to where else in Britain this orchid may appear.
Habitat
The specimens pictured here were found in mixed deciduous woodland.
Flowering times
July and August are the best time to search for this intriguing plant.
Etymology
The genus name Epipactis is an ancient Greek name of a plant said to be capable of curdling milk (perhaps a Hellebore). The type species of this genus is Epipactis helleborine, the specific epithet of which means 'like a hellebore' - a reference to a physical resemblance in this instance. The subspecies name albifolia means 'with white leaves'.
Acknowledgements
Pictures: Elaine Hagget...
Reference sources
The Plant List
Sue Parker (2023) Wild Orchids of Wales - how, when and where to find them; First Nature e-book (Amazon Kindle format)
Anne and Simon Harrap (2005) Orchids of Britain and Ireland; A&C Black
Pierre Delforge (2005) Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; A&C Black
Den Nordiska Floran (1992) Bo Mossberg, Stefan Ericsson and Lennart Stenberg; Wahlstrom & Widstrand
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