Spiranthes spiralis
Spiranthes spiralis (Orchidaceae) 266 23
Spiranthes. spiralis taking its name from the way in which the flowers are spirally arranged along the stem. In many parts of Europe it is one of the very last orchids of the summer, often still being in flower at the end of September. In some areas of the Mediterranean including Sicily and Cyprus, this flowering period can even extend to the later weeks of October.
This is by far the most frequent of the four species of Spiranthes occurring in Europe, being found from southern Scandinavia in the north to the Mediterranean (including North Africa) in the south. Despite its wide distribution and tolerance of a broad range of habitats, it is nowhere particularly common and often absent from seemingly suitable areas.
Although this species can occasionally be found in damp conditions, it primarily seeks a dry position in full sun with close cropped vegetation.
It is a small orchid which in open grassland rarely exceeds 20cms in height, although where it occurs in pinewoods, can reach a spindly 35cms. S. spiralis can be an unpredictable flowerer and its appearance seems critically linked to rainfall levels through the spring/summer development period.
Source: John and Gerry's Orchids of Britain and Europe
Spiranthes spiralis
Spiranthes spiralis (Orchidaceae) 266 23
Spiranthes. spiralis taking its name from the way in which the flowers are spirally arranged along the stem. In many parts of Europe it is one of the very last orchids of the summer, often still being in flower at the end of September. In some areas of the Mediterranean including Sicily and Cyprus, this flowering period can even extend to the later weeks of October.
This is by far the most frequent of the four species of Spiranthes occurring in Europe, being found from southern Scandinavia in the north to the Mediterranean (including North Africa) in the south. Despite its wide distribution and tolerance of a broad range of habitats, it is nowhere particularly common and often absent from seemingly suitable areas.
Although this species can occasionally be found in damp conditions, it primarily seeks a dry position in full sun with close cropped vegetation.
It is a small orchid which in open grassland rarely exceeds 20cms in height, although where it occurs in pinewoods, can reach a spindly 35cms. S. spiralis can be an unpredictable flowerer and its appearance seems critically linked to rainfall levels through the spring/summer development period.
Source: John and Gerry's Orchids of Britain and Europe