Could anyone confirm the ID of this Orchid please? Photograph taken in dunes near Barmouth, Gwynedd last week. I'm presuming one of the Marsh Orchids but not sure which. Many thanks
Many thanks Rich. I'm going to do a better job of documenting them over the next few days. I was interleaving the job with the much less pleasurable one of documenting the ash die-back situation on our land.
There certainly seems to be quite some variation in flower-head shape, flower colouration and petal markings as well as leaf shape etc. As for the one in the lawn I hope the attached picture is better for identification.
Interesting looking flower, bit odd looking for Southern Marsh, but probably even further out for any of the other marsh/spotted orchids. These plants can be a bit of a nightmare, they are so variable with the possibility of introgression from other species. Lone flowers are often a problem, I tend to look at the whole population before deciding what they are.
Check the stem, if it is hollow it is a marsh orchid.
Rich
I'd go with Northern Marsh-orchid, given the shape of the lip and the location - Morfa Dyffryn, I assume?
But, as you probably know, the Marsh orchids can be a nightmare to identify. Last year I was just down the coast from there at Ynyslas which has Northern Marsh, Northern Marsh var. cambrensis, Southern Marsh, Early Marsh and Narrow-leaved Marsh plus all the hybrids growing together. I've got loads of photos of plants that I still can't identify.
Rog
Thanks Rog - yep it was Dyffryn in the dunes between caravan site & the beach, assume this is a regular site for Nothern Marsh then? They all looked pretty similar in colour / shape there, sounds like a bit of a nightmare at Ynyslas though!
Hi - finally getting round to my last English Orchid - the lesser twayblade -going up to Cumbria in 2 weeks - would really appreciate a ppm on directions on how to find them at either Cliburn Moss or other Cumbrian sites - I know from 2 days spent there looking for clts how tricky the site is and also know how small and elusive the lts are so would appreciate any help
Thanks P
BTOs at Hampshire sites stunning his year three groups of i assume vegetative clumps good 6 inches tall -much showier than the Caburn plants i saw few days before MO at Darland in their hundreds again and just coming into peak.
LSO coming into flower Folkestone -2 weeks off peak just one flower fully out , LO at Denge wood at their best now.
Question to Steve will the LSO up North last two more weeks when i plan to be there or should I go next week ?
I'm not sure it is a good idea to post directions to plants on an open forum like this, there are still numpties out there who dig up orchids.
Rich M
many thanks - my understanding is that LTs tend to hang on to their flowers for a few weeks - so hope I will be OK in 2 weeks - may just need to spot them this year and come back and photograph next -
road side bee orchids doing well in Northants and pyramidal are just starting to open up
A burnt orchid has been dug up on a N. Wilts site recently
I am going to have a look on Monday.I am visiting Suffolk next week. Could someone please let me know if bee orchid var chlorantha still occur at the site near Norwich.
Many thanks
Gareth