Serapias istriaca

Serapias istriaca is an endemic plant species from the orchid family (Orhidaceae). It was first described by the Austrian Michael Lorenz Perko in 1998. It is widespread in southern Istria - it is most numerous in the southern part of the Premantura peninsula (Punta) and Marleri, and occurs sporadically further north as far as Poreč. It inhabits clearings and passages in boreholes and lawns on deeper sandy soils. It crosses with the tongue-cuckoo (Serapias lingua) and forms hybrid populations of the Pula cuckoo (Serapias x pulae). It is a rare and highly endangered species, the habitat of which needs to be properly protected.