Syn.: Androrchis pauciflora (Ten.) D. Tyteca et E. Klein, Orchis provincialis subsp. pauciflora (Ten.) Lindl., Orchis provincialis var. pauciflora (Ten.) Batt.
Family: Orchidaceae Juss.
Distribution: Mediterranean species, occurs in the central and eastern parts of the region.
Ecology: It grows in forest margins and clearings, in bushes, on rocky pastures, up to an altitude of about 1800 m. It blooms from April to May.
Description: Perennial herb with an erect stem, 15–30 cm tall, with a basal rosette of 4–9 narrowly lanceolate leaves, without spots, up to 7 cm long and 2 cm wide, stem leaves 1 to 3. Spike lax, with 3–12(–15) flowers. Flowers pale yellow, or white with yellow labellum, outer perianth-segments ovate-oblong, obtuse, inner smaller, obliquely oblong, labellum 3-lobed, 13–15 × 13–15 mm, bright yellow with red spots. Spur cylindrical, patent, to 2 cm long. Fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: Protected species in France, it is simultaneously protected by CITES.
These images were taken in Italy, Gargano, Coppa d’Incero (April 17, 2008).
