Serapias L., 1753

D. M. Moore (ed.), 1980, CCIII Orchidaceae, Flora Europaea, Vol 5: Alismataceae to Orchidaceae, Camebridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 325-350 : 343

29. Serapias L. 1

Tubers 2-5, ovoid to globose, entire. Leaves narrow, canalicu­ late, acute, entire, usually shiny. Flowers in a spike. Outer perianth-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, partially connate, connivent with the linear-lanceolate, acuminate inner lateral to form a galea. Labellum large, constricted into basal hypochile, with two indistinct lateral lobes, and prominent, pendent epichile. Spur absent. Column long. Rostellum small. Viscidium soli­ tary; bursicle simple.

Literature: P. Christian, Quart. Bull. Alp. Gard. Soc. 43: 189-198 (1975). P. Gölz & H. R. Reinhard, Orchidee 28: 108-116 (1977). E. Nelson, Monographie und Ikonographie der Orchidaceen-Gattungen Serapias, Aceras, Loroglossum, Barlia. Chernez-Montreux. 1968 .

All species appear to hybridize readily with each other and with species of Anacamptis , Dactylorhiza , Ophrys and Orchis .

1 Epichile of labellum usually cordate, at least as wide as hypochile

2 Labellum with 2 divergent ridges at base; lateral lobes of hypochile c. i as wide as epichile; bracts shorter than flowers 1. cordigera

2 Labellum with 2 parallel ridges at base; lateral lobes of hypochile c. + as wide as epichile; bracts equalling or exceeding flowers

3 Epichile directed ±downwards 3. vomeracea

3 Epichile directed ± upwards or forwards 2. neglecta

1 Epichile of labellum narrowed towards base, narrower than hypochile

4 Bracts much exceeding flowers; lateral lobes of labellum reddish, black distally 3. vomeracea

4 Bracts equalling or slightly exceeding flowers; lateral lobes of labellum black or dark purple

5 Labellum with solitary black ridge at base, violet to reddish; tubers 2-5, 1 sessile, the others on stolons 4. lingua

5 Labellum with 2 ridges at base, brownish-red; tubers 2(-3), sessile 5. parviflora