Epipactis is a widespread orchid genus encompassing morphologically and genetically problematic aggregates of taxa, such as the E. helleborine species complex and related lineages. Tranchida-Lombardo et al. show that the Italian peninsula acted as a remarkable centre of diversification for this orchid lineage and that recurrent shifts in mating system could represent the mechanism that promoted this diversification and the high taxonomic complexity detected in the group.