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Platanthera chlorantha [Greater Butterfly-Orchid]


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Rørslett, B. 2013. Platanthera chlorantha (Cust.)Rchb. (Orchidaceae). Greater Butterfly-Orchid. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...tterfly-orchid/

 

Platanthera chlorantha (Cust.)Rchb.

Syn. Platanthera montnaa auct.

 

NO:Grov nattfiol

SE: Grönvit nattfiol; storyxne

DK: Skov-Gøgelilje

FI: Keltalehdokki

DE: Berg-Waldhyazinthe

EN: Greater Butterfly-orchid

 

This is a taller relative to P. bifolia and having a similar mainly European distribution. It is seen in open habitats such as meadows and forest clearings and often occurs with P. bifolia. Along the coasts P. chlorantha may be the most frequent of the two. These species can hybridise as well, but apparently the hybrid is rare. I have been looking for the hybrid for decades but so far without any success. Flowering takes place in June and July and the terminal spike carries greenish white flowers which are sweetly fragrant at night time.

 

Plants photographed in situ at Kvam, Western Norway 15 June 2009.

 

PLAT_CHL_I0906159267_VIS.jpg

Image reference: PLAT_CHL_I0906159267_VIS.jpg

Visible light: Nikon D200, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5 lens, Baader UV/IR Cut filter, daylight.

 

PLAT_CHL_I0906159266_UV.jpg

Image reference: PLAT_CHL_I0906159266_UV.jpg

Ultraviolet ight: Nikon D200, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5 lens, Baader U2" (Venus) filter, SB-140 flash.

 

In UV, P. chlorantha appears less bright than its relative P. bifolia. The labellum carries darker blotches and so do the wings in particular along the margins.

 

References:

http://www.ultraviol...ure-references/

 

[Published 25 June 2013]

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