Neglected serapias (Serapias neglecta, Repert. Fl. Ligust., 55, 1844)

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: De Not.

Bibliography: Repert. Fl. Ligust., 55, 1844

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Serapias

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. France to WC. Medit.

Description

The Neglected Serapias, scientifically known as Serapias neglecta, is a captivating and lesser-known member of the Orchidaceae family. First described in the mid-19th century by the noted botanist De Notaris, its name was published in the 1844 volume of “Repertorium Florae Ligusticae.”

This terrestrial orchid is typically found in the southeastern regions of France extending to the western-central Mediterranean areas. It inhabits a range of environments from open fields to light woodlands, thriving particularly well in well-drained soils with a preference for sunny to partially shaded locations.

Serapias neglecta is distinguished by its intriguing floral structure. The flowers of this orchid manifest in hues ranging from delicate pinks to purples. Its petals and sepals form a protective hood over the reproductive parts, a common trait in the genus Serapias. The labellum, or the prominent lip of the flower, is elongated and often exhibits a darker, rich color that contrasts appealingly with the rest of the flower, adding to its visual allure.

The plant typically blooms in the spring, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and other insects, which are lured in by its structure and potentially by its subtle scent. The pollination process is facilitated by the unique morphology of the flower, which ensures the targeted transfer of pollen, contributing to the orchid’s reproductive success.

Despite its beauty, Serapias neglecta is considered to be somewhat rare and often overshadowed by its more prevalent relatives. Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining its habitats, which are sometimes threatened by human activity and environmental changes.

In summary, the Neglected Serapias is a rare gem within the orchid family, having a specific range in the Mediterranean basin and showcasing unique floral traits that capture the interest of botanists and orchid enthusiasts alike. Its preservation is essential to conserving the rich diversity of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: neglected serapias, scarce tongue-orchid
En: Neglected Serapias, Scarce Tongue-orchid, Scarce Serapias
Co: Lingua di ghjallu
Nl: Vergeten tongorchis
Fr: Sérapias négligé
De: Verkannter Zungenstendel
It: Serapide brunacea, Serapide brunastra
: Neglected serapias

Synonyms

• Serapiastrum neglectum ((De Not.) A.A.Eaton)
• Serapias cordigera subsp. neglecta ((De Not.) K.Richt.)
• Serapias cordigera var. neglecta ((De Not.) Fiori & Paol.)
• Serapias cordigera f. neglecta ((De Not.) Fiori)

Distribution

• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sardegna (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Andrea Indino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by lucycucci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by lucycucci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Gianni Franchi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 25, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by emanuele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by emanuele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Louis Aureglia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2021 by valentina de pamphilis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 11, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Catherine ABDELOUADOUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 7, 2022 by Georgia Pocquet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1993 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques Houdré (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/5314746)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Serapias neglecta De Not.)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:657663-1)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 2