Serapias

Family Orchidaceae. They occur in the Mediterranean region.

Tubers whole, ovoid or globose. Stem leafy. Leaves basal and cauline, alternate, linear-lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate, green. Inflorescence usually few-flowered. Bracts membranous, colored. Flowers large, with a helmet formed by fused sepals; two free petals are hidden inside the helmet. The labellum (lip) is divided into two lobes: the anterior lobe, lanceolate and long, is bent downward at a right angle to the posterior lobe, whose lateral erect blades are often hidden in the helmet. Spur absent. Column straight. Anther connective with a long appendage. The pollinium stalks are connected by a single common viscidium located in a pocket. Ovary straight.