Violet Helleborine

Violet Helleborine - Epipactis purpuratas Epipactis purpuratas

 

Colour: Yellow - green
Flowering: August - September
Height: Up to 24" (60 cm)
Family: Orchidaceae
 
   

 

Violet Helleborine    

 

The violet helleborine is an uncommon orchid found in broad-leaved woodland, usually in heavy shade. These were found growing underneath the rhododendron bushes in the garden.

The leaves emerge as a purple colour (achlorophyllous. meaning they contain no chlorophyll). See the photo below. The greeny-yellow flowers are tiny and grow in long spikes, each floret being a minute, but perfect orchid shape.

From a distance, these flowers do not look at all interesting but on close examination, these tiny orchid florets are exquisite.

Violet Helleborine - Epipactis purpuratas
    Violet Helleborine
Violet Helleborine - Epipactis purpuratas  
Violet Helleborine
before flowering
   

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