The type species was first described as Nigratela rhellicani by Teppner and Klein from the
Gurktaler Alps, Austria in 1990 and was named in honour of the
16th century Swiss naturalist, J. Muller who was also known by the name
of Rhellicanus. Form fulva however was first identified as long ago as 1933 by Keller, being at that time named N. nigra lusus fulva and as with all other Vanilla Orchids, subsequently reclassified into the Gymnadenia genus.
This form of the well known G. rhellicani can be a difficult one to identify with confidence, particularly with mature plants whose features have become less distinctive with age. In young plants, as seen in the accompanying pictures, the two main distinguishing characteristics are more evident, these being the more pyramidal shape of the inflorescence and the brick red colouration. At this stage of their development, they can be also easily mistaken for immature G. austriaca .
Fulva is not particularly common but can be encountered throughout the range of the type species and often in close association with it.
The pictures come from the Italian Dolomites and date from the first week of July at a time when they were just beginning to flower.
This form of the well known G. rhellicani can be a difficult one to identify with confidence, particularly with mature plants whose features have become less distinctive with age. In young plants, as seen in the accompanying pictures, the two main distinguishing characteristics are more evident, these being the more pyramidal shape of the inflorescence and the brick red colouration. At this stage of their development, they can be also easily mistaken for immature G. austriaca .
Fulva is not particularly common but can be encountered throughout the range of the type species and often in close association with it.
The pictures come from the Italian Dolomites and date from the first week of July at a time when they were just beginning to flower.
