The nominate species L. abortivum was first described by Swartz from Fontainebleu (France) in 1753 and its name refers to the the small size of the leaves and the manner in which they sheath the stem. Abortivum literally means aborted leaves. L. abortivum var. rubrum was first described by Sundermann from Turkey in 1997,
L. abortivum var. rubrum is immediately recognizable by its crimson flowers, all other aspects of its morphology are however indistinguishable from the nominate species. Almost inevitably some authorities reject its validity as a variety, believing it to be simply a crimson flowered form of L. abortivum and within that taxons range of natural variation. It first appears two weeks later than type and is seldom to be found growing alongside it.
L. abortivum occurs over a huge area of Europe from Belgium to Russia, whereas var. rubrum has only been recorded from the near east, Turkey, Lesbos, Rhodes and a disjunct outpost in the Cevennes of southern France. Its probable range within Europe is however thought to be wider.
The pictures are from Cevennes and date from the third week of April at a time when L. abortivum was at a more advanced stage of development.
