Epipactis atrorubens, (Hoffm.) Besser

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1980, Flora Europaea. Volume 5. Alismataceae to Orchidaceae (Monocotyledones), Cambridge: Cambridge University Press : 328

8. E. atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser , Prim. FI. Galie. 2: 220 (1809)

( E. atropurpurea Rafin. , E. rubiginosa (Crantz) Gaudin , Helleborine atropurpurea (Rafin.) Schinz & Thell. ).

Rhizome short, more or less horizontal. Stem (15-)20-60(-100) cm, glabrous or sparsely pubescent, violet below, with sheathing scales. Leaves distichous, 5-10, 4-10 x 1-5-4-5 cm, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, acute to acuminate. Raceme 7-25 cm, 8- to 18-flowered, the rhachis densely pubescent; bracts lanceolate, acute, the lowest equalling or sometimes exceeding flowers. Flowers patent; perianth-segments deep purple, the outer 6-7 mm, ovate, acuminate, the inner elliptical. Labellum 5-S-6-5 mm; hypochile cupuliform, green, with red margin, with red spots inside; epichile cordate-reniform, acute, with recurved apex, wider than long, deep reddish-purple, with 2(-3) rugose protuberances at base. Rostellum persistent. Ovary densely pubescent. 2« = 40+ 0-7 B. Woods and rocky slopes; calcicole. Much of Europe, but rare in the Mediterranean region. Al Au Be BrBuCzDaFeGaGeGrHbHeHoHsHuItJuNoPoRm Rs (N, B, C, W, K, E) Su Tu.