Cephalanthera

Cephalanthera is a genus of orchids, commonly known as helleborines, belonging to the family Orchidaceae. This genus includes about 14 species found in north temperate regions. Plants in this genus typically have tall, slender stems and crinkled leaves.1

Cephalanthera species are terrestrial orchids with rhizomes. They are characterized by large, erect, stalkless flowers that are either white or bright pink. A notable example is the phantom orchid (C. austiniae), the only species native to the Western Hemisphere, which depends entirely on mycorrhizal fungi for nourishment. The large white helleborine (C. damasonium) is a common species in Britain, known for its self-pollinating flowers that remain closed.1