Description
Epipactis pontica (also called Pontic Helleborine, among many other common names) is a species of orchid native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a stem up to 70 cm tall. The leaves are lanceolate and the flowers are white to pinkish with a dark purple lip. It grows in wet meadows, marshes, and along streams in full sun to partial shade.
Uses & Benefits
Epipactis pontica is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties, which include treating skin diseases, wounds, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Epipactis pontica has small, white flowers with yellowish-green sepals and petals. The flowers are borne in an umbel-like inflorescence. The seed is a small, black, round capsule with a single seed inside. The seedlings are small, with a single, long, narrow leaf and a single, short stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Epipactis pontica can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. It is best grown in a sheltered location, as it is susceptible to wind damage. It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist, as it does not tolerate drought.