Narrow-lipped helleborine (Epipactis leptochila, J. Bot. 59: 146 (1921))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (Godfery) Godfery

Bibliography: J. Bot. 59: 146 (1921)

Year: 1921

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epipactis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

The Narrow-lipped Helleborine, scientifically known as Epipactis leptochila, is a distinguished species within the Orchid family, Orchidaceae. It was first documented in the Journal of Botany, volume 59 on page 146, in the year 1921 by Godfery, whose detailed observations have shaped our understanding of this unique plant.

This remarkable orchid is predominantly found stretching across Europe and extending to the Caucasus region. The Narrow-lipped Helleborine thrives in a variety of habitats ranging from woodlands to chalky soils, exhibiting a resilience and adaptability that make it a fascinating subject for both botanists and naturalists alike.

The plant is particularly noteworthy for its distinct morphological characteristics. As its common name suggests, the Narrow-lipped Helleborine is identified by its slender, narrow lip, a defining feature that sets it apart from other members of the Epipactis genus. The flower’s delicate structure and subtle hues contribute to its elegance and understated beauty.

Understanding the significance of this species involves not only recognizing its botanical features but also appreciating its broader ecological role. Narrow-lipped Helleborine plays a part in the intricate web of woodland ecosystems, often engaging in mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which aid in the orchid’s nutritional intake and overall health.

Conservation of Epipactis leptochila is crucial, particularly as its habitat faces pressures from human activities and environmental changes. Efforts to protect and study this orchid help preserve the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the regions it inhabits.

In essence, the Narrow-lipped Helleborine is a testament to the delicate complexity and interdependence found within natural ecosystems, and its study continues to enrich our botanical knowledge.

Common Names

Dan: grønblomstret hullæbe, storblomstret hullæbe
Deu: schmallippige stendelwurz, schmallippige ständelwurz
Swe: grön knipprot
Eng: narrow-lipped helleborne, narrow-lipped helleborine, narrow-lipped heleborine, narrow-lipped helliborine
Nld: smallippige wespenorchis
Nno: grønflangre
Nob: grønnflangre
Cym: caldrist gwefus-gul, y galdrist finfain
En: Narrow-lipped helleborine, Narrow-Lipped Helleborne, Narrow-Lipped Heleborine, Narrow-lipped Helliborine
Cs: Kruštík ostrokvětý
Da: Storblomstret Hullæbe, Grønblomstret hullæbe
Nl: Smallippige wespenorchis
Fi: Viherneidonvaippa
Fr: Épipactis à labelle étroit, Épipactis des dunes, Elléborine à fleurs étroites, Helléborine à fleurs étroites
De: Schmallippige Stendelwurz, Schmallippige Ständelwurz, Schmallippige Sumpfwurz
Hu: Csőrös nőszőfű
It: Elleborina a labello sottile, Elleborine a labello stretto
No: Grønflangre, Engelsk Knipprot
Nb: Grønnflangre
Nn: Grønflangre
Pl: Kruszczyk ostropłatkowy
Es: Heleborina de labio estrecho
Sv: Grön knipprot
Cy: Y galdrist finfain, Caldrist Gwefus-Gul
: Narrow-lipped

Synonyms

• Helleborine latifolia subvar. leptochila ((Godfery) Graber)
• Epipactis viridiflora var. leptochila (Godfery)
• Epipactis muelleri var. leptochila ((Godfery) P.D.Sell)
• Helleborine leptochila ((Godfery) Druce)
• Helleborine latifolia subsp. leptochila ((Godfery) Soó)
• Epipactis helleborine subsp. leptochila ((Godfery) Soó)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel Pansiot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel Pansiot (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Viviani Lorenzo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Raphaël patris (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Frank Leman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Fiona Potter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Hartmut Müller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2020 by Absentee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 2, 2020 by Absentee (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 31, 1874 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5319049)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:633244-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epipactis leptochila (Godfery) Godfery)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 4