This orchid with a strictly Mediterranean distribution is present in almost all the regions of Italy (missing in the North-East and in Valle d'Aosta, not found since a long time in Lombardy, and of dubious occurrence in Sicily). It grows in arid grasslands and in openings of garrigue vegetation, mostly in rather moist habitats like the edges of swamps and ephemeral pools, from sea level to about 1000 m, with optimum in the Mediterranean belt. Its occurrence in the temporary ponds of Sardinia is rare. The genus name, already used by Dioscorides and Pliny to indicate some orchids, derives from Serapis, the Egyptian god of fertility; the species name refers to the heart-shaped labellum. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Satirio (Toscana), Serapide cordigera (Italia), Serapide cuoriforme (Italia).