Red helleborine  (Cephalanthera rubra)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Biology

This orchid is a long-lived perennial, the first leaves are not produced until about six years after germination, and flowering does not occur until the plant is ten years of age (3). Flowers occur in June and July and do not produce nectar, instead they are believed to mimic the colours of certain bees to attract them, the bees then pollinate the flowers as they transport pollen from one flower to another (3).

left