Himantoglossum caprinum

H. caprinum represents one of the most bizzare genera of European orchids . The scientific name is derived from the Greek word ''himas'' (meaning ''belt'') and ''glossa'' (tongue'). That clearly highlights the most distinctive feature of the entire genus-an extremely elongated ,belt-shaped ,decoratively spiraled middle strip of the flower lip.

The plants are robust and tall (up to 36 in/90 cm )with 7-10 lanceolate leaves diminishing in size the higher on the plant they are . The inflorescence is relatively sparse but it bears a high number of (up to 50 ) red and white flowers sporting cute little helmets and the aforementioned extended lips. H. caprinum blooms between May and July . Unlike with the previous species ,its orginal habitat is centered around the eastern part of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor . From this area ,H.capricum spread out northward -only not by way of Western Europe ,but through Panonia ,along the easter part of the Alps . Until recently ,the specimens from the sparse Austrian and Hungarian populations were considered the northernmost growing emissaries of H. caprinum ;in 1989,however ,the species was surprisingly discovered and identified in Slovakia ,where it had long been mistaken for a smaller and earlier -blooming species ,H.adriaticum .