Serapias cordigera is a strong plant which can grow up to 50 cm. The 4 to 9 linear-lanceolate leaves are green and carinated, the upper ones with a red hue. The stem carries 3 to 10 bog flowers with sepals and petals forming a helmet which is directed upwards or horizontally. The labellum is broad, the lateral lobes projecting from the hood.
Taxonomic discussion
The plant was first described by Linné in his opus Species plantarum (1763).
White colour of flowers
The flowers have an intense dark purple colour. The albiflora form is very rare.
Habitat, bloom and distribution
Serapias cordigera can be found on dry grassland. Bloom is from April to June. The species is widely distributed in the Mediterranean from Spain to Turkey.