Family |
Orchidaceae
Orchis galilaea
(Bornm. & M.Schulze) Schltr.
Leb. Syr. Tur. Pal.
Orchis galilaea (Bornm. & M.Schulze) Schltr.
First published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 19: 47 (1923).
(Nouvelle Flore du Liban et de la Syrie, vol. 1, pp. 339–340, Pl. CXI, 2; 1966)
Description
Life-form & habit: Perennial tuberous orchid, similar in habit to Orchis punctulata but generally less robust, with an upright stem and entire, ovoid to oblong tubers.
Leaves: Lower leaves gathered in a rosette; the following leaves sheath the lower stem, which is often bare for some distance below the inflorescence.
Inflorescence & flowers: Dense, cylindrical spike. Sepals form a pale-green hood and the spur is very short. The lip is divided into very narrow, hanging segments, often slightly hook-curved; these are yellow or reddish when fresh and soon brown with maturity or drying.
Flowering and habitat
Phenology: March–April.
Habitat & elevation: Various substrates, especially rocky ground.
Distribution
Lebanese distribution: Khalde, the mouth of Nahr Barid, Ainab, Souq el Gharb, Araya, Beit Mery, Jouar near Bikfaya, Ghine, Ghosta, Rayfoun, Arbaniye, Bikfaya, Ghazir, Khraibe near Maasser, Aley, Jisr el Hajar, Mazraat Kfar Debiane and Mays–Hunin; also recorded at Kfertay and Kornet Chehwan.
Native range: Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, Türkiye.
⚠️ Taxonomic note:
Mouterde treats this orchid as Orchis punctulata subsp. galilaea (Bornm. & M.Schulze) Soó. Kew confirms that name as a synonym of the accepted species Orchis galilaea.