Epipactis microphylla - Small-leaved Helleborine

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Liliopsida - Order: Orchidales - Family: Orchidaceae

This another Epipactis species that hardly seems to open its flowers fully, and this feature combined with its shady habitat makes it very difficult to spot.

Description

With an overall colour of dull green, rusty red or yellowish brown this is an inconspicuous and difficult to spot plant. It grows to a maximum of 55cm in height and all parts of the plant appear to be downy or hairy including the flowers. It has up to 12 leaves which sheath the stem and narrower bracts among the flowers. The inflorescence is lax and carries up to 30 small flowers which, if they open fully, are revealed as being pale green with a white lip. The hypochile is dark green and glossy and the epichile is pale greenish-white with very distinct white bosses.

Distribution

Although predominantly a Mediterranean mountain plant it is also found in coastal and lowland habitats. Its territory extends east from the Mediterranean into parts of central Europe and as far north as southern parts of France.

Habitat

Epipactis microphylla grows in dark forest settings, often under Beech or Hazel trees.

Flowering times

This orchid can flower at any time between April and the end of July.

The specimen on this page was photographed in the Lot Valley in France in late May.

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 species name of which means 'like a hellebore' - a reference to a physical resemblance in this instance. The specific epithet microphylla means 'small leaf'.

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)

Pierre Delforge (2005) Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; A&C Black