Family: orchids (Orchidaceae)
Flowering time: May–July
Size: 20–55 cm
Habitat: forests, forest edges, clearings and meadows
The two-leaved vimenjak (Platanthera bifolia) is an orchid that prefers to thrive in the shelter of forests. It is characterized by two elongated oval, relatively large basal leaves that are delicate and shiny. At the top of the unleafed stem develops a slightly cylindrical inflorescence, formed by numerous white flowers. The petals are white, only the narrow nectar lip is usually light green towards the end. The lateral floral leaves protrude perpendicular to the nectar lip, the upper three form a hood. The pollen masses are parallel and placed close together in the two-leaved vimenjak. The long spur, in which nectar collects, narrows toward the end.
The two-leaved vimenjak is widespread throughout Slovenia and, as with all other orchids, is protected.
