Epipactis leptochila

The Epipactis leptochila, commonly known as the Narrow-lipped Helleborine or Fine-lipped Epipactis, is a rare, sciophilous (shade-loving) terrestrial orchid that primarily grows in cool or cold climates. Its specific name, leptochila, means "with a narrow lip," referring to the pointed shape of the distal part of its labellum, called the epichile.

Morphological description: It is a perennial herb that can reach between 20 and 70 cm in height. The stem is glabrous at the base and becomes more pubescent towards the apex. Its 3 to 10 leaves are yellowish-green to dark green, with a silky texture and an undulating margin, arranged distichously or helically. The inflorescence, which can occupy up to a third of the plant's length, contains between 3 and 35 pendulous, pale green flowers, often tinged with pink at the edges. The labellum is divided into two parts separated by a V-shaped junction: the hypochile (cup-shaped and wine-red or chocolate-brown inside) and the epichile (flat, longer than wide, and arrow-tip shaped).

Pollination and life cycle: It is primarily an autogamous species, meaning it self-pollinates. This occurs because the viscidium is minuscule, non-functional, or absent, allowing pollen to fall directly onto the stigma of the same flower. In some cases, it can be cleistogamous, with flowers that do not open. This strategy results in a high fruit set (approximately 77%). Its flowering is ephemeral, lasting only about 10 days, and occurs mainly between mid-July and mid-August.

Habitat and distribution: This orchid grows in dense, cool forests, being particularly characteristic under the dense shade of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Scots pine forests, on calcareous substrates or soils (thin and rocky). It can also be found under hazel trees, at altitudes up to 1600 meters. It is a Central European and temperate species. Its distribution extends from Denmark to Gargano (southern Italy) and from southern England to Slovenia. In the Iberian Peninsula, its southern and western distribution limit, it is very localized and restricted to isolated nuclei in specific mountain systems such as the Cantabrian Mountains and the Iberian System.