Limodorum abortivum (L.) Sw., Nova Acta Regiae Soc. Sci. Upsal. 6: 80 (1799).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Orchis abortiva L., Sp. Pl.: 943 (1753).
Serapias abortiva (L.) Scop., Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 2: 205 (1772).
Epipactis abortiva (L.) All., Fl. Pedem. 2: 151 (1785).
Neottia abortiva (L.) Clairv., Man. Herbor. Suisse: 264 (1811).
Centrosis abortiva (L.) Sw., Adnot. Bot.: 52 (1829).
Ionorchis abortiva (L.) Beck, Fl. Nieder-Österreich 2(1): 215 (1890).
Jonorchis abortiva (L.) Beck, Fl. Nieder-Österreich 1: 215 (1890).
Description:
Saprophyte; root-stock rhizomatous; stems 40-70 cm, grey brown-greyish or dull violet, glaucous. Basal leaves absent; cauline leaves modified into sheathing bracts and almost totally encircling the stem. Bracts 8-10 x 2-3 cm, lanceolate, mucronate. Spike very dense and compact in bud, becoming lax in flower. Flowers 3--4 cm wide, violet or pink. Sepals 6-10 x 18-24 mm, broadly lanceolate. Labellum fan-shaped to obovate, entire, undulate, pink with white centre. Spur 2 cm, narrowing towards the end, decurved. Ovary up to 3 cm at maturity.
Habitat:

Mediterranean forest communities, especially under Pinus halepensis.Fl. May-June.
Distribution:

Europe, Medit. to Caucasus

Images:
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Botanical Drawing / Herbarium
limodorum abortivum
Photograph copyright Swiss Orchid Foundation at the Herbarium Jany Renz Image used with kind permission.