About Neotinea lactea (Poir.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase
Neotinea lactea (Poir.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase is a robust polycarpic geophyte that reaches 10 to 25 cm in height when it flowers. Its flowering stem has a round cross-section, with a rosette of 4 to 6 leaves growing at the base. The upper part of the stem is slightly ribbed, and several smaller leaves sheath the stem higher up. This species produces many small flowers that form a dense, oval or cylindrical cluster up to 7 cm long. It prefers dry calcareous soil, and grows in conditions ranging from full sun to semi-shade. It can be found at elevations up to 1800 m, growing in calcareous grasslands, abandoned olive orchards, exposed areas of garrigue, and open forests.
