Broad-leaved helleborine Epipactis helleborine
Table of Contents
Plant family: Orchidaceae
Flowering period: June – September
Flower colour: Green, pink, purple
Preferred soil type: Infertile
Habitat: Woodland, shaded areas
Status: Common
General information
The Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) is a herbaceous, perennial and a species of orchid native to Europe and Asia, it typically blooms in summer, with the flowering period extending from June to September.
As with many orchids, this helleborine has a complex relationship with fungi. It forms mycorrhizal associations with specific fungi in the soil, which are crucial for its growth and development.
This orchid is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed sites.
It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils and is often seen growing in shaded or semi-shaded locations reaching a height of up to 80cm.
Identification
Flowers: The flowers of the Broad-leaved Helleborine are arranged in a loose, terminal spike on a tall stem, typically they are a range of colors, including greenish, yellowish, or reddish-brown tones. The specific coloration can vary among individual plants and populations.
Leaves:The leaves form as a basal rosette and are broad and lance-shaped, giving the plant its common name. The vary in size but are generally between 10 – 20cm in length.
Value for wildlife
Broad-leaved Helleborine produces both pollen and nectar, and it relies on these reproductive features to attract and interact with its pollinators, which include bees wasps and flies.
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