English Orchids

These are a few photos I took last week of two species orchids that grow in my family's meadow in Kent.

Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia conopsea

There is only one individual of this species growing at this location and it has been present now for roughly 6 years. It is subtly perfumed; however this poor plant always seems to be under attack. The previous year, the rabbits decided to bite off the entire flower stem so it was unable to flower. This year, the slugs seem to have had a go at the stem, causing it to lean to one side. Luckily, this seems not to have affected the flower's vigour.

Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Close up of Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Second form of Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Close up of second form

There are about 100 or so individuals of the common spotted orchid growing in our meadow. They vary greatly in their flower form as the pictures show. These are white but there are also individuals with pinkish flowers. They appeared at roughly the same time as the fragrant orchid after five years of a complete absence of grazing. They grow in a swathe across a bank at the lower end of the field which is northeast facing.