Family: orchids (Orchidaceae)
Flowering time: May–June
Size: 20–50 cm
Habitat: forests, forest edges, shrubby slopes and encroaching meadows
The erect stem of the pale ghost orchid (Cephalanthera damasonium) is leafy with up to six acute-ovate leaves. Its erect stem leaves are usually keeled and clasp the stem at the base. At the top of the bare stem, typically fewer than ten flowers form a slightly loose inflorescence. The lower bracts of the flowers are similar to the stem leaves, and toward the top of the inflorescence they diminish. The yellowish-white flowers often remain almost completely closed throughout flowering. The pale ghost orchid is widespread throughout Slovenia, but not very common.
In our country it is protected and listed on the red list of endangered plant species.
