The A. papilionacea group is a small and highly distinct collection of orchids that cannot be easily mistaken for any other. It consists of just three species, A. papilionacea itself, A. cyrenica and A. collina but although they share a family resemblance and configuration, they could not be confused with one another. Interestingly, although A. papilionacea is an enthusiastic hybridizer, particularly with the A. morio group, it has rarely been noted to cross with A. cyrenica or collina.
Unfortunately, whilst it may be comparitively easy to identify a plant as being a member of the A. papilionacea grouping, determining exactly which variety or form within this species is a much more problematic process. In truth it would be a brave botanist who would ever bet his mortgage on the certain identity of any of them.
A. papilionacea must be considered polymorphic and as such, formal recognition of forms and varieties becomes a somewhat arbitrary process. Differences largely occur in flower size and pattern or colour but there are simply too many exceptions and regional anomalies to give authorititive descriptions, however :-
Rubra is primarily known from Italy though it has been reported from both the former Yugoslavian states and Anatolia. The most significant identification features are the complete lack of lip markings and the very
pale colouration which can occasionally be pure white. The lip has a noticeably waxy appearance and because of the recurved edges seems rather more elongated than the lips of other A. papilionacea varieties.
The photographs here come from Cilento National Park and Gargano and date from the last week of April.
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