O. lorenae was first described as a subspecies of O. fuciflora from Emillia-Romagna, Italy by De Martino and Centurione in 2002. It is named after Lorena Moruzzi the discoverer of this plant.

This species is restricted to the eroded clay formations of northern central Italy, where although generally uncommon, can grow in large numbers in favoured sites. It is currently known from the regions of Emillia-Romagna, Marche and Tuscany.

O. lorenae is a slender plant with up to eight small, rectangular to trapezoid shaped flowers with relatively modest protuberances. The perianth is almost invariably white with green central veins, though pink and even red have been recorded. The basal field is distinctive, being either dark brown or a dark rusty red and which sits below a virtually coal black stigmatic cavity. The speculum is normally uncomplicated, comprising a violet background bordered by pale yellow lining. Flowering commences in mid April and runs to late May.

The taxonomic status of this species is not fully understood as it bears a strikingly close morphological resemblance to O. annae, an orchid that is currently thought to be restricted to Corsica and Sardinia, more than 200kms across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west.

The single photo comes from the Orvietto area and dates from the first week of May.