Orchis pallens, 1771

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

19 . O.pallens L, .

, Mantissa Alt. 292(1771).

Tubers subglobose or ovoid, more or less stipitate. Stem 15-35 cm, erect, with leaves in lower half and sheaths above, naked in the uppermost part. Leaves oblong or oblong-obovate, gradually narrowed towards the base. Spike ovoid or oblong, dense. Bracts lanceolate, 1 - veined, as long as or longer than ovary. Flowers pale yellow, with odour of Sambucus nigra . Outer perianth-segments 7-9 mm, ovate-oblong, obtuse, the 2 lateral deflexed, the median erect; inner perianth-segments obliquely oblong. Labellum 6-8 x 6-8 mm, suborbicular-rhombic, 3-lobed; lateral lobes orbicular, obtuse; middle lobe almost square, truncate or emarginate. Spur cylindrical, patent, slightly shorter than ovary. 2n = 40.

C. & S. E. Europe, extending to the S. W. Alps and C. Appennini. Al Au Bu Cz Ga Ge Gr He Hu It Ju Po Rm Rs (K).