Spiranthes spiralis

Spiranthes spiralis, commonly known as autumn lady's-tresses, is a type of orchid that grows in Europe and adjacent North Africa and Asia. It is a small plant that has a grey-green color. The greater part of the year, above ground only a rosette of four to five sessile, ovate leaves with a pointed tip of about 3 cm in length, is visible. In late summer an unbranched stem of about 10-15 cm tall surfaces with approximately four sheath-shaped leaves. The white flowers of about ½ cm have a green spot on the lower lip and stand in a line that usually runs as a helix around the upper half of the stalk. The species appears on Appendix II of CITES, of species that are currently not threatened with extinction but that may become so if trade is not closely controlled. Autumn lady's-tresses are legally protected in Belgium and the Netherlands.