Orchis spitzelii, Sauter ex Koch, 1837

D. M. Moore (ed.), 1980, CCIII Orchidaceae, Flora Europaea, Vol 5: Alismataceae to Orchidaceae, Camebridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 325-350 : 340

17. O. spitzelii Sauter ex Koch ,

Syn. FI. Germ. 686 (1837).

Tubers ovoid. Stem 20-40 cm, erect or slightly flexuous, with a basal rosette or cluster of 2-4 leaves and with sheaths above. Leaves oblong-ovate to ovate- or oblong-lanceolate. Spike ovoid or shortly cylindrical, dense. Bracts linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, 5- to 7-veined, slightly longer than or as long as ovary. Flowers purple. Outer perianth-segments 7-10 mm, oblong- ovate, obtuse, the 2 lateral patent-deflexed, the median conver­ gent with the ovate-lanceolate inner perianth-segments into a galea. Labellum 8x10 mm, broadly ovate, spotted, deeply 3-lobed; lateral lobes ovate, obtuse; middle lobe widened, obovate, emarginate, crenulate; base of labellum with 2 con­ spicuous ridges. Spur longer than labellum, as long as ovary,

E. Alps, N. & C. Italy and Balkan peninsula; isolated stations in Sweden (Gotland), E. Spain, S. E. France and Kriti. Al Au Bu Cr Ga tGe Gr Hs It Ju Su.