Despite their low frequency, minority cytotypes substantially increase intraspecific and intrapopulation ploidy diversity estimates for fragrant orchids. The cytogenetic structure of Gymnadenia populations is remarkably dynamic and shaped by multiple evolutionary mechanisms, including both the ongoing production of unreduced gametes and heteroploid hybridization. Overall, it is likely that the level of ploidy heterogeneity experienced by most plant species/populations is currently underestimated; intensive sampling is necessary to obtain a holistic picture.

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A new self-pollinating species, Epipactis euxina, is described from Gelendzhik District of Krasnodar Territory. The species is closely related to E. persica from which it differs by its remarkable long pedicel, distinctly longer epichile, and indistinct or absent viscidium. It grows in sparse pine forest mixed with oak, on calcareous soils. Four other taxa collected in different localities of Krasnodar Territory are new for the North Caucasus: E. krymmontana, E. leptochila subsp. leptochila, E. leptochila subsp. neglecta, and E. muelleri. A new synonymy is proposed for E. persica = E. helleborine subsp. transcaucasica. An updated key to the species of the genus Epipactis in the North Caucasus is provided. The lectotype of E. muelleri is designated.

In this article we present and discuss the main factors that threaten natural populations of Cypripedium calceolus (lady’s slipper orchid) in Europe, and we propose conservation strategies and directions for protective actions of its population on a regional scale. European C. calceolus populations have decreased significantly in the last two decades, in both number and size. A key result of the present study is an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network across the European Union (EU) countries. Northern and/or mountainous countries present higher percentages of potentially suitable areas within the Natura 2000 network. Finland and the United Kingdom are the exceptions to this rule. It is predicted that, due to global warming, the coverage of niches suitable for C. calceolus will decrease in countries in which now-healthy colonies exist. However, as plant species can occur in micro-sites with suitable environmental conditions (e.g., microclimate, vegetation, soil factors) which cannot be predicted as suitable at coarser spatial resolutions, conservation efforts should be focused on management of local healthy populations. For the effective protection of C. calceolus in Natura 2000 sites, the participation of experts in botany, including orchid biology, is necessary at several stages.

A new obligately self-pollinating species, Epipactis krymmontana, is described from the Crimea. The species is closely related to E. condensata from which it differs by its relatively loose and usually much shorter inflorescence, relatively elongate ovaries, much paler epichile with less protruding bosses and absence of a viscidium. It grows in beech forests, often mixed with oak and hornbeam, on calcareous soils. The new species was previously misidentified in the Crimea as E. purpurata or sometimes as E. condensata, the latter growing in hot, sunny places with sparse vegetation. The presence of typical E. condensata in the Crimea is considered doubtful, but it is undoubtedly present in the Russian Caucasus along with E. condensata subsp. kuenkeleana, which is a new combination proposed in place of E. purpurata subsp. kuenkeleana. Epipactis purpurata should be excluded both from the floras of the Crimea and the Russian Caucasus. An updated key to the species of Epipactis sect. Epipactis in the Crimea and Russian Caucasus is provided.