Presenting a macro of a Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) growing in our rose garden, in full bloom, a profusion of orchid flowers.
Helleborine, the scientific name species designation, means like a Hellebore. It must refer calyx, the outer leaves forming the flower bud, these open to reveal the flower. In this macro, the unopened buds are upper right. Bottom center the calyx, fully open, with the flower ready to accept pollination, fertilization. After opening, the calyx seems to be part of the flower, a characteristic of hellebore (see Helleborus argutifolius).
The flowers attract a variety of Hymenoptera. I observed wasps, yellow-jackets visiting.
Click photograph for a larger view and use Ctrl-x to zoom in closer.
Photograph is from a 100mm “macro” lens, f6.3.
Thank You for visiting.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 
How beautiful
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I love how the beauty of these cascades. Excellent shot. With their “eyes” looking this way and that and their umbrella leaf up top, it feels a bit like the 300 Spartans marching with their shield over their head like warrior parasols to block out the sun — happily practicing for when arrows will blot out the sun. No war in the image, simply strong characters in the process of doing what they do, naturally.
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Jordan, your impressions changed my viewing. I now see multitudes, looking out. The “shields” as well. Very good!!
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I love that excellent imagery tells so many stories, can inform perspectives in so many ways. Good stuff!!
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Lovely photography.
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Thank You!!
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So many little faces looking out at me! Love it. 😁
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Wonderful macro photo of this beautiful small orchid.
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I enjoyed making it!!
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On the other hand, they look kind of cool close up. I’ll have to take a closer look at the ones at my place.
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We only started to let them grow this year. It may be the need for mycorrhizal symbiosis (partnership with fungus) will limit spread or confine it to clumps.
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I have only two plants, so far. I think they’ve appeared for a number of years and not proliferated. I had a look at them today. They seem to have finished blooming, unlike the ones in your photos. I’ll have to pay closer attention next year.
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Each flower forms a seed capsule with numerous, small seeds.
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My plants look like they’re doing that.
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They are so cute.
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Tiny orchid faces
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The flowers look like open mouths, perhaps of birds.
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wonderful at attracting pollinators….
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