A common species, found in most of Europe, but rarer in the Mediterranean region and absent from Africa. Its range extends eastwards from Ireland into central Asia.
An easily identified orchid with just two broadly ovate leaves towards the base of the stem, and greenish flowers with lips with long bifurcated lobes. It grows to about 30 - 50 cm tall.
Occurring in a wide variety of habitats: grassy places, woodlands, old sand dunes; ascending to 2000 metres altitude.
Photographs: Northern Ireland, 2004.
© Paul Hackney
Click photographs for larger image.