Punctate orchid (Rare)
The Punctate orchid takes its name from the stain like colourings on its labellum (punctulata: punctate). It prefers scrub areas, olive groves, forests and clearances at altitudes of up to 1350 m, flowering during April-May period. Orchis punctulata, generally known for its robust structure, can reach heights of up to 70 cm. The 4-6 leaves are generally at the base, oblong-lanceolate in form and about 25 cm long. The inflorescence is dense and about 20-60 flowered. The sepals are yellowish green in colour and close to each other with a hood form. The labellum is tripartite, about 10 mm long, yellow with red-brown spots at the center; lobes are yellow, ranging from reddish brown to purple towards the tip; lateral lobes are linear in shape, obtuse at the tip with a turn resembling a sickle; middle lobe elongate, divided into two diverging oblong, truncate lobules, with an acute teeth in between.
