A. morio was first described from Germany in 1753 and for many years was classified as an Orchis - its name
obscurely means "jester".
The A. morio type has several distinct features which set it apart from the similar A. picta but unfortunately
finding a typical specimen is not easy and identification is often determined purely on the balance of probabilities
(except in parts of northern Europe where A. picta is absent). The following characteristics are normally accepted
as being indicative :- 1. the plant is generally taller and more sturdy than A. picta. 2. the inflorescence is longer
and denser, 3. the lip is strongly folded in the middle and presents a thin frontal profile. 4. flower colouration is
usually lighter and frequently occurs in pale pink or white. 5. seems far less tolerant of calcareous soils and much prefers neutral substrates. 6. The spur is shorter, stouter and less curved.
None of the continental illustrations here could be described as entirely typical though to a greater or lesser
degree they do all show the centrally folded back flower lip. A. morio is certainly polytypical and probably heterogenus with populations varying from one another to a degree that must bring into question the reliability of
its species status and its relationship to A. picta. A. morio's distribution is extensive, though poorly established
due to the identification difficulties mentioned above. It is present in Britain and northern Europe but becomes
increasingly less frequent in southern area's of Europe where A. picta becomes more frequent.
This species has a remarkable habitat tolerance and will grow in almost marsh like conditions as well as in chalk meadows. Classically however its an orchid of open grassland on neutral soils. The pictures here are from Italy,
Chios and Lesbos and date from the first two weeks of April.
This second group of pictures are all from Britain (Dorset) and show the range of variety that can occur within one colony. They are all fairly typical with the notable exception of photo 2
where the lip margins have flared instead of remaining folded back.
