Small-flowered serapias (Serapias parviflora, Giorn. Sci. Sicilia 59: 66 (1837))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Parl.

Bibliography: Giorn. Sci. Sicilia 59: 66 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Serapias

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores (Santa Maria), Canary Is., Medit.

Description

The Small-flowered Serapias, known scientifically as Serapias parviflora, is a captivating species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Originally classified in 1837 by the distinguished botanist Parl., this orchid has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its delicate beauty and ecological significance.

Primarily found in diverse regions, the Small-flowered Serapias thrives in the Azores, particularly on the island of Santa Maria, as well as in the Canary Islands and throughout the Mediterranean. Its distribution across these locales highlights its adaptability to varying climatic and environmental conditions.

The flower, true to its name, features small, yet striking blooms that capture the essence of subtle elegance. These blossoms contribute to the rich tapestry of flora in their habitats, playing a crucial role in local ecosystems. The intricate structure of the flowers not only appeals to human admirers but also to the specific pollinators that facilitate the plant’s reproduction.

The intriguing natural history and geographical spread of Serapias parviflora render it a subject of ongoing research and interest within botanical circles. Its presence in various islands and Mediterranean locales suggests it has evolved unique adaptations to thrive in these environments, making it an excellent specimen for studying plant adaptability and ecological interactions.

Overall, the Small-flowered Serapias is a botanical gem that underscores the rich biodiversity and intricate ecological webs of the regions it inhabits. Through continued study and conservation efforts, we can hope to preserve the delicate beauty and ecological importance of Serapias parviflora for future generations to appreciate.

Common Names

Eng: small-flowered tongue-orchid
En: Small-flowered serapias, Small-flowered Tongue-orchid
Bg: Дребноцветен серапиас
Ca: Gallets, Gall parviflor
Nl: Kleine tongorchis
Fr: Serapias de flor pequeña, Séraplas à petites Fleurs, Sérapias à petites fleurs
De: Kleinblütiger Zungenstendel
It: Serapide minore, Serapide minor
Mt: Bajdet il-fenek
Pt: Serapião-de-língua-pequena
Ru: Серапиас мелкоцветковый
Es: Serapias de flor pequeña

Synonyms

• Serapias laxiflora (Rchb.f.)
• Serapias parviflora subsp. mascaensis ((H.Kretzschmar, G.Kretzschmar & Kreutz) Kreutz)
• Serapiastrum parviflorum ((Parl.) A.A.Eaton)
• Serapias occultata var. parviflora ((Parl.) Willk.)
• Serapias mascaensis (H.Kretzschmar, G.Kretzschmar & Kreutz)
• Serapias parviflora var. lutescens ((Renz) Kalop.)
• Serapias lingua subsp. occultata ((J.Gay ex Cavalier) Bonnier & Layens)
• Serapias laxiflora var. parviflora ((Parl.) Rchb.f.)
• Serapias parviflora subsp. occultata ((J.Gay ex Cavalier) Maire & Weiller)
• Serapias lingua var. parviflora ((Parl.) Kraenzl.)
• Serapias occultata f. knochei (E.G.Camus)
• Serapias parviflora f. sulphurea (Lanza ex G.Keller)
• Serapias parviflora f. knochei ((E.G.Camus) Soó)
• Serapias parviflora f. albiflora ((E.G.Camus) Soó)
• Serapias elongata (Tod.)
• Serapias longipetala var. parviflora ((Parl.) Lindl.)
• Serapias parviflora f. lutescens (Renz)
• Serapias occultata f. albiflora (E.G.Camus)
• Serapias occultata (J.Gay ex Cavalier)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 18, 2020 by Ramón Valle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2018 by Susana López (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 7, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 23, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Daan Tijm (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Lisa Maunier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Talarico Maurizio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2016 by Daniele Boggiani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

© 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/5314849)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:657688-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Serapias parviflora Parl.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 2