Orchis anatolica, Boiss., 1844

D. M. Moore (ed.), 1980, CCIII Orchidaceae, Flora Europaea, Vol 5: Alismataceae to Orchidaceae, Camebridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 325-350 : 341

21. O. anatolica Boiss. ,

Diagn. PI. Or. Nov. 1 (5): 56 (1844).

Tubers subglobose or ovoid, sessile or shortly stipitate. Stem 15-40 cm, erect or slightly flexuous, with a basal rosette of 2-5 leaves and with sheaths above, naked in upper part. Leaves lanceolate or oblong, gradually narrowed towards the base. Spike ovoid, lax, few-flowered. Bracts lanceolate or linearlanceolate, 1 - to 3-veined, usually somewhat shorter than ovary. Flowers purple or pale pink. Outer perianth-segments 8-10 mm, oblong-ovate or -lanceolate, obtuse, the 2 lateral patent, the median oblong-lanceolate, directed downward or recurved; inner perianth-segments oblong-ovate, subobtuse. Labellum 10-14 (-17) x 10—14(—17) mm, obovate, 3-lobed; lateral lobes rhombic, truncate; middle lobe squarish, truncate or excised, longer than the lateral. Spur linear-conical, widened towards the mouth, longer than ovary.

Islands of S. Aegean region. Cr Gr. (S. W. Asia.)

Plants from Kriti, with larger, greenish-violet flowers, an elongated labellum and the spur conspicuously curved upwards, have been named subsp. sitiaca Renz, Feddes Repert. 30: 100 (1932). Their status requires investigation.