Syn.: Androrchis canariensis (Lindl.) D. Tyteca et E. Klein, Barlia canariensis (Lindl.) Szlach., Orchis patens subsp. canariensis (Lindl.) Asch. et Graebn.
Family: Orchidaceae Juss.
Distribution: Endemic species of the Canary Islands, grows on the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma.
Ecology: It grows on damp rocks and stony slopes in the pine woods, at elevations from 800 to 1400 m. It blooms from February to April.
Description: Perennial herb with two tubers. The stem is erect, unbranched, 15–60 cm tall, green, on top red, the basal leaves (3–5) are lanceolate, not spotted. The inflorescence is short, with 5–20 flowers, corolla pale purple to pink, lip 3-lobed, middle division 2-lobed, with dark markings, spur thick, almost horizontal. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: This species is – like all other botanical species of the orchid family – protected by international convention CITES.
These images were taken in Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Los Organos de Aguamansa (March 29, 2006).
