''Epipactis leptochila'', the narrow-lipped helleborine,
is a species of
orchid
Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae (), a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant.
Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowering ...
in the genus ''
Epipactis
''Epipactis'', or helleborine, is a genus of terrestrial orchids consisting of approximately 70 species. This genus is abbreviated as Epcts in horticultural trade.
Description
Their creeping, fleshy rhizomes grow offshoots, from which then eme ...
''. Found in chalk or limestone-based beech and hornbeam woodland in southern England, the orchids are also found with birch and alder trees in Scotland and the north of England. The narrow-lipped helleborine blooms from early June to mid-August. ''Epipactis leptochila'' is also found in parts of northern Europe (away from the coastline) but it is known for its presence in England. Due to woodland clearing, the orchids are becoming less common.
During field observations in 2017–2019, it was identified in the Northeastern part of
Romania
Romania ( ; ro, România ) is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern, and Southeast Europe, Southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, S ...
, in
Uricani forest and in
Bârnova-Repedea forest (
Iași County). In both places, vegetation develops on soils that have been built on a limestone substrate. The species grows in phytocoenoses belonging to the
Natura 2000
Natura 2000 is a network of nature protection areas in the territory of the European Union. It is made up of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas designated under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, respectively ...
habitat type 91Y0
Dacian oak-hornbeam forests E. leptochila was recorded in small populations (with a small number of individuals) in both forests.
References
* https://web.archive.org/web/20101225174228/http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/epipactis_leptochila.php
* Irimia I., Postolache, A., New Data for the Distribution of ''Epipactis Leptochila'' (Godfery) Godfery in Romania, Analele Ştiinţifice ale Universităţii „Al. I. Cuza” Iaşi, s. II a. Biologie vegetală, 2020, 66: 5–12. Available on-line at http://www.bio.uaic.ro/publicatii/anale_vegetala/issue/2020/01-2020.pdf, accessed on 18 December 2020.
* European Nature Information System (EUNIS), Factsheet for Dacian oak & hornbeam forests, available online at https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/habitats/10268, accessed on 18 December 2020.
leptochila
Orchids of Europe
{{Epidendroideae-stub