S. spaethiae was first described as a variety of S. orientalis from the Dodecanese island of Kos by Delforge in 2009. It is named in honour of the noted botanist H. Spaeth who specialised in the orchid flora of the Aegean islands.
This species is endemic to Kos where it's relatively common and can be found growing in large colonies in a variety of habitats, including phrygana but always in the damper areas and invariably on calcareous substrates. S. spaethiae is not dissimilar to S. carica and S. moreana and it's entirely conceivable that it occurs elsewhere in the Aegean but is overlooked due to this likeness. It does however differ considerably in its phenology, first appearing in mid April at a time when other Serapias species are firmly in decline. It commonly grows among other Serapias species and its fresh green leaves stand out amongst the withered brown foliage of its fading cousins.
The flowers may number up to twelve but usually no more than eight and these are generally somewhat smaller than in S. carica, lighter in colour and often with an orange tone. The flowers are held alternately on a widely spaced inflorescence which often appears to be arranged in two outward facing rows. This latter feature can be observed in the photograph opposite but as can be seen from subsequent pictures, the characteristic is not diagnostic, as a less structured form may also be exhibited.
The photographs come from Kos, dating from the third week of April at which time the majority of plants had yet to flower.
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