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Cephalanthera rubra
Τhis orchid is a long-lived perennial, the first leaves are not produced until about six years after germination, and flowering does not occur until the plant is ten years of age. Flowers occur in June and July and do not produce nectar, instead they are believed to mimic the colours of certain bees to attract them, the bees then pollinate the flowers as they transport pollen from one flower to another. This orchid produces up to 12 attractive pink or purplish-pink flowers on a long spike. In profile, the flowers are similar in appearance to spiky tulips. One stem is usually produced, which may have a purple tint and a downy appearance ; the leaves are dark green in colour and are very long and thin.
Spotted in mount Chortiatis (Thessaloniki, Greece)
Spotted on Jun 7, 2015
Submitted on Jan 13, 2016
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