Green-Flowered Helleborine

Epipactis phyllanthes is a terrestrial orchid with a short, horizontal or oblique rhizome. The stem is typically 20 to 45 cm tall, green in color, and may be glabrous or sparsely pubescent. The plant usually has 3 to 6 distichous leaves, which are orbicular to lanceolate, ranging from 5 to 7 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in width. The leaves are often concave, with undulate margins. The raceme, which can reach up to 15 cm in length, bears 15 to 35 flowers. The bracts are linear-lanceolate and acuminate, often exceeding the length of the flowers. The pendent flowers have outer perianth segments that are 8 to 10 mm long, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, and pale yellowish-green. The inner segments are similar in color, sometimes with a violet tinge. The labellum is 6 to 8 mm long, with a cupuliform to shallowly concave hypochile, which is whitish or greenish. The epichile is often not clearly separated from the hypochile and is ovate-lanceolate to cordate, with a greenish-white to pinkish coloration. The rostellum is absent, and the ovary is more or less glabrous. The species is diploid, with a chromosome number of 2n = 36.

Epipactis phyllanthes thrives in a range of habitats, including open woodlands, scrub areas, and coastal dunes. It is a calcicoles, meaning it prefers soils with a high calcium content. This species is commonly found in regions with temperate climates and is adapted to partial shade and well-drained soils. It is often associated with disturbed or transitional habitats, such as the edges of woodlands or along paths and trails.

Cultivating Epipactis phyllanthes requires attention to its natural habitat preferences. It should be grown in well-drained, calcareous soils with partial shade to full sun. The plant benefits from a humid environment and regular watering, but it is important to avoid waterlogging. Propagation can be achieved through seed, though it may be challenging due to the species' autogamous nature and variable morphology. Division of rhizomes can also be used, but care must be taken to ensure that each division has sufficient root structure. In cultivation, it is best to mimic the plant's natural conditions to encourage flowering and healthy growth.

Epipactis phyllanthes is primarily of interest to botanists and orchid enthusiasts due to its ecological and ornamental value. It is not widely used in horticulture outside of specialized collections. The species is also of scientific interest due to its morphological variability and the presence of intermediates between different forms, which complicates taxonomic classification. There are no known traditional medicinal or culinary uses for this species.