Limodorum abortivum

803_8382 [Limodorum abortivum]

This striking plant is a Mediterranean species of a wild orchid at the beginning of its yearly life.

It first appears as a gray-purple, erect stem which will later produce 5-25 flowers

but no green leaves!

Instead of leaves, there appear numerous dark purple scales

wrapped all around the stem. 

 

803_6111 [Limodorum abortivum]

 

In Greece it is found throughout the country from April to July

in meadows, scrub and pine forests.

It may be solitary or in small groups of 1 to 4 plants and a height between 20 and 80cm.

 

This orchid is generally thought to be a saprophyte,

a plant that lives on decaying organic matter in the soil.

However,

it may possibly be a parasite feeding on the tissues of living host plants.

803_6106 [Limodorum abortivum]

Each stem carries 5 to 25 whitish or blue-violet flowers

that are about 45mm across.

303_3026 [Limodorum abortivum]

304_2690 [Limodorum abortivum]

The pictures above were taken on Mt. Hymittos

and on Mt. Parnitha in years 2020 - 2022.