helleborine

helleborine, any of the orchids of the 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. Cephalanthera species are mostly terrestrial orchids with rhizomes. The plants have large white or bright pink flowers that have no stalks and are held...