Epipactis

plant genus

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June 26, 2026

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Epipactis is a genus of orchids within the family Orchidaceae. This genus includes about 21 species found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, as well as in tropical Africa and Mexico. Plants in the Epipactis genus typically have tall, slender stems and crinkled leaves. Their flowers are small, drooping, and arranged on a flexible spike. Examples of Epipactis species include dune helleborine (E. dunensis), marsh helleborine (E. palustris), and broad-leaved helleborine (E. helleborine), which is common in Europe and Asia and has been introduced to the eastern United States. The flowers of E. helleborine can be green, whitish-green, or reddish-purple.1

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helleborine
…two similar genera Cephalanthera and Epipactis (family Orchidaceae). The genus Cephalanthera has about 14 north temperate species, while Epipactis comprises about 21 species native to north temperate areas, tropical Africa, and Mexico. Plants of both genera usually have tall thin stems and crinkled leaves.
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…two similar genera Cephalanthera and Epipactis (family Orchidaceae). The genus Cephalanthera has about 14 north temperate species, while Epipactis comprises about 21 species native to north temperate areas, tropical Africa, and Mexico. Plants of both genera usually have tall thin stems and crinkled leaves.
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