Serapias lingua, 1753

D. M. Moore (ed.), 1980, CCIII Orchidaceae, Flora Europaea, Vol 5: Alismataceae to Orchidaceae, Camebridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 325-350 : 344

4. S. lingua L.,

Sp. PI. 950 (1753).

Tubers 2-5, 1 sessile, the others on stolons, ovoid to subglobose. Stem 10-25(-60) cm, with green, unspotted basal sheaths. Spike elongate, 2- to 9- flowered; bracts equalling flowers, purple, rarely greenish. Flowers 15-25 mm; outer perianth-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, concave, free at apex, violet or purple, rarely white, some­ times with greenish markings; inner lateral slightly shorter than the outer. Labellum about twice as long as the other segments, with solitary black ridge at base; lateral lobes rounded, dark purple, hidden by galea; epichile ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed at base, narrower than hypochile, sometimes directed forwards, violet to reddish, rarely yellow or white.

Damp grassland, marshes and maritime sands.

Mediterranean region and S. W. Europe. A 1 B 1 Co Cr Ga Gr Hs It Ju Lu Sa Si.