Syn.: Orchis sphaerica M. Bieb., Traunsteinera globosa var. sphaerica (M. Bieb.) E. G. Camus, Traunsteinera globosa subsp. sphaerica (M. Bieb.) Soó
Family: Orchidaceae Juss.
Distribution: Caucasian region including northeastern Turkey; hyrcano-euxine element.
Ecology: Lush subalpine pasture and meadows, also light forest margins; 1600–2500 m asl. Blooms from June to July.
Description: Tuberose orchid, 20–60 cm tall. Stem erect, slender, with 2–3 distant, erect oblong-lanceolate, glaucous leaves. Inflorescence very dense, many-flowered, globose or ovoid-spherical spike, bracts slightly shorter than ovary. Flowers relatively small, creamy-white; sepals 8–12.5 mm long, tapering from ovate base into long linear tip somewhat widened apically, petals slightly shorter, acuminate; lip 5–9 mm long, three-lobed, middle lobe oblong and abruptly constricted to a linear apex; spur cylindrical, 3–5 mm long. Fruit is a capsule.
Possible confusion: Closely related to European Traunsteinera globosa, which is distinguished by rose-purplish flowers with purple dotted lip.
Threat and protection: As all orchids protected internationally by CITES.
These images were taken in Russia, Caucasus, Mt. Fisht, 2200 m asl. (July 1993).
