Platanthera chlorantha

Greater butterfly-orchid

Platanthera chlorantha, commonly known as the Greater Butterfly-orchid, is a delicate perennial herb native to temperate regions. Renowned for its striking, fragrant white flowers and intricate nectar spurs, this orchid plays a vital role in supporting specific pollinator species, making it a significant element of forest biodiversity.

  • Scientific name: Platanthera chlorantha
  • Family: Orchidaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Orchidaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Platanthera.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Orchidaceae WCVP
Genus Platanthera WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Platanthera chlorantha, is known by various regional names across different languages. In Polish, it is referred to as Podkolań zielonawy, while in Russian, it is called Любка зелёнoцветная. Among Finnish speakers, it is commonly known as keltalehdokkki, and in Latvian, it is identified as Zaļziedu naktsvijole. Additionally, in Estonian, the species is known as rohekaas käokeeel.
Language Common Name Source
pl Podkolan zielonawy Wikidata
ru Любка зелёноцветная Wikidata
fi keltalehdokki Wikidata
lv Zaļziedu naktsvijole Wikidata
et rohekas käokeel Wikidata
de Grünliche Waldhyazinthe Wikidata
az Yaşılçiçək ləçəkotu Wikidata
lt Žalsvažiedė blandis Wikidata
hsb Zelenojta kokulinda Wikidata
sv Grönvit nattviol Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence is documented throughout the United Kingdom, specifically in Great Britain and Ireland. The species also extends its range into the northern territories of Norway. Together, these locations define the primary habitat for this medicinal plant.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Platanthera chlorantha has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include benzyl acetate.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
benzyl acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆