Hi, I'd like to pick someone's brain who is better at identifying Helleborines than me please.
This plant was pictured on 23rd July 2008 in fairly dense woodland in Sussex. It was growing with a number of
Epipactis helleborine, but I am not sure if this one is
purpurata,
leptochila or even
phyllanthes. Given the date, the fact that most of the flowers are yet to open points to purpurata, but I'm not sure about the lip.
I believe one important characteristic is the "straightness of the lip". Does this refer to the edges, or the way in which it can curve back on itself when viewed in profile (see flower on the right)?
Many thanks for your help
Alexander
