Platanthera bifolia

The genus Platanthera has its growth center in North America ,an area with the highest number of the described species . Some of them spread from America all the way to Europe .At the same time ,several representatives of this genus(which contains a tottal of at least 200 species )even grow in the tropics of the Northern Hemisphere!

Platanthera bifolia is a pretty ,ecologically adaptive orchid with a strong fragrance .Mature specimens are only slightly dependent on nutrition provided by fungi and can therefore be easily replanted and further cultivated . The plant survives the winter with the assistance of two egg-shaped or elongated tubers ,tapering off in to a root -like protrusion .Both the blooming and sterile specimens usually form two almost opposite ,broad , oval leaves . The flower stalk is barren ,with only a few clasping leaves at the bottom ,and capable of lifting the inflorescence in to the height of 28 in/70 cm .The sparse but rich inflorescent is up to 10 in/25 cm long and consists of 15 -35 green and white flowers . Among the attractive features of the elongated tongue -shaped unsegmented lip with a greenish end , is most importantly its 1.6 in/4 cm long ,hollow ,semi transparent spur containing necter . The species grows in light forests,infertile medows and moors in elevations between and including both lowlands and mountain altitudes :it thrives in both dry and damp soils of various make up .It blooms between May and August and can be spotted growing in Europe ,northern Africa ,Asia Minor ,Caucasia and Persia .