Epipactis atrorubens, (Hoffm.) Besser, 1809, 1809

D. M. Moore (ed.), 1980, CCIII Orchidaceae, Flora Europaea, Vol 5: Alismataceae to Orchidaceae, Camebridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 325-350 : 328

8. E. atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser ,

Prim. FI. Galic. 2: 220 (1809) ( E. atropurpurea Rafin. , E. rubiginösa (Crantz) Gaudin, Helleborine atropurpurea (Rafin.) Schinz & Thell. ).

Rhizome short, more or less horizontal. Stem (15-)20-60(-100) cm, glabrous or sparsely pubescent, violet below, with sheathing scales. Leaves distichous, 5-10, 4-10 x 1 -5-4-5 cm, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, acute to acuminate. Raceme 7-25 cm, 8- to 18-flowered, the rhachis densely pubescent; bracts lanceolate, acute, the lowest equalling or sometimes exceeding flowers. Flowers patent; perianth-segments deep purple, the outer 6-7 mm, ovate, acuminate, the inner elliptical. Labellum 5*5-6*5 mm; hypochile cupuliform, green, with red margin, with red spots inside; epichile cordate-reniform, acute, with recurved apex, wider than long, deep reddish-purple, with 2(-3) rugose protuberances at base. Rostellum persistent. Ovary densely pubescent. 2n = 40 + 0-7 B.

Woods and rocky slopes; calcicole.

Much of Europe, but rare in the Mediterranean region. Al Au Be Br Bu Cz Da Fe Ga Ge Gr Hb He Ho Hs Hu It Ju No Po Rm Rs (N, B, C W, K, E) Su Tu. 9