This is an extremely familiar Mediterranean orchid whose name refers to the milky colour of its flowers. It
was first described from Algeria in 1798 and originally grouped with the Neotinea genus before being reclassified
as an Orchis. Much study has again been given to the O. tridentata group and this has resulted in all the members
(including O. lactea) being returned to the Neotinea stable.
N. lactea is a common orchid with a known range throughout the Mediterranean, its distribution is not
however fully understood due to confusion with N. tridentata, N. conica and N. commutata. There are though
two significant characteristics which can help differentiate N. lactea from the other three - firstly it has an
elongated inflorescence that usually (but by no means always) carries numerous tightly packed flowers whereas
the others have a shorter, often conical shaped inflorescence and in the case of N. tridentata the flower head tends
to be flat topped with a longer stem. The second distinguishing feature is the flower lip, which in this species has a
knee joint type of profile below the stigmatic cavity and strongly recurved lip edges. The overall impression is
of body builder throwing his chest forward and shoulders back. ( Photograph 1 illustrates this point very well )
The other species all have flattish lips with edges that are either straight or curved forward. A less reliable
feature of N. lactea is the colouration of the inner hood which is generally greener and more boldly lined.
As can be seen from the illustrations, the markings and colouration can vary widely from pure white to an almost
solid dark pink. The typical flower however will be pale pink with darker spots or striation. The photograph's
come from Crete, Lesbos and Sicily and were all taken during the first two weeks of April.
.