Nigritella rhellicani
Nigritella rhellicani (Orchidaceae) 178 22
Nigritella rhellicani is indisputably the most widespread and frequently encountered of the seventeen species currently comprising the Nigritella nigra group. Its range takes it from the western Alps, eastwards to the Carpathians and although unconfirmed, probably into Russia. It can be abundant in its favored locations, where it grows in short alpine turf as low as 1000 meters up to a recently recorded altitude of over 3000 meters. Nigritella rhellicani together with Nigritella austriaca are colloquially known as the "Black Vanilla Orchids" and are frequently found growing alongside each other. In typical plants there are easily discerned distinguishing characteristics, unfortunately however the natural variation within both species can often render accurate identification all but impossible except to the professional scientific eye.
Nigritella rhellicani is hugely variable in most of its morphological features and not least flower dimensions, shape of inflorescence and coloration. Its suspected that taxonomic changes will take place in the future but for the present this species must be seen as difficult to satisfactorily describe.
Source: Orchids of Britain and Europe.
Nigritella rhellicani
Nigritella rhellicani (Orchidaceae) 178 22
Nigritella rhellicani is indisputably the most widespread and frequently encountered of the seventeen species currently comprising the Nigritella nigra group. Its range takes it from the western Alps, eastwards to the Carpathians and although unconfirmed, probably into Russia. It can be abundant in its favored locations, where it grows in short alpine turf as low as 1000 meters up to a recently recorded altitude of over 3000 meters. Nigritella rhellicani together with Nigritella austriaca are colloquially known as the "Black Vanilla Orchids" and are frequently found growing alongside each other. In typical plants there are easily discerned distinguishing characteristics, unfortunately however the natural variation within both species can often render accurate identification all but impossible except to the professional scientific eye.
Nigritella rhellicani is hugely variable in most of its morphological features and not least flower dimensions, shape of inflorescence and coloration. Its suspected that taxonomic changes will take place in the future but for the present this species must be seen as difficult to satisfactorily describe.
Source: Orchids of Britain and Europe.