Elderflower Orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina) an orchid of high mountains occurring in both yellow and magenta varieties as well as intermediates.

The name originates from a mistaken identity on the herbarium sheets of Reichenbach who mixed the species with Orchis pallens which has a slight elder scent.

In Scandinavia the species is found at such lower levels…down to the coasts and is commonly called Adam & Eve (magenta and yellow respectively)

Campo Imperatore, Abruzzo,, Italy, May 2021