Cephalanthera epipactoides
Cephalanthera epipactoides Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
Cephalanthera epipactoides is a species in the Orchidaceae family, described by Fisch. & C.A.Mey. in 1854. It is distributed globally, with records in Bulgaria, the East Aegean Islands, Greece, the North Caucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, and Turkey. The species is distinguished by a stem height of 30–100 cm, a 10–20 flowered spike, outer perianth segments 25–36 mm, inner perianth segments 18–25 mm, truncate lateral lobes on the hypochile, and an epichile that is triangular-lanceolate with 7–9 ridges. The spur is 3–4 mm and subacute.
Description
Cephalanthera epipactoides is a member of the Orchidaceae family and is characterized by a tall, slender stem and a compact inflorescence. The species is primarily found in the eastern Mediterranean and adjacent regions. Morphologically, it is similar to other species in the genus but is differentiated by specific floral traits. The outer perianth segments are longer than the inner ones, and the epichile has a distinct shape with multiple longitudinal ridges. The spur is short and pointed. Some taxonomic treatments suggest that it may be more appropriately classified as a subspecies of a closely related species.
Distribution
Global · Bulgaria · East Aegean Is. · Greece · North Caucasus · Turkey-in-Europe · Turkey
Synonyms
Cephalanthera cucullata subsp. epipactoides