Mainly in the Mediterranean region, but reaching as far north as Hungary, Germany and the Low Countries.
Top two photographs: Amalfi Coast, Italy 2002.
© Alan Hill.
Robust, saprophytic, violet-coloured species with no green leaves. Found on calcareous soils in scrub or open woodland, usually (always?) near pine trees.
Third photograph: near Ronda, Andalucia, S Spain 1992.
© Alan Hill.
Bottom photograph: foot of Mt Ventoux in the Combe de Maraval area near Bedoin, Provence, southern France 2007.
© Val Viner.
Click photographs for larger images.