Heath Fragrant Orchid, Gymnadenia Borealis, Vicarage Meadow, Powys June 16th 2017. A beuatiful small clony in a meadow tucked away in remote central Wales. Beautiful apart from the Midges!
Until recently there was thought to be only one species of Fragrant Orchid, but recent genetic research has identified three types. This species is most common in the north and west of Britain, although the newness of the classification means that location data may not be specific. It can be identified by subtle differences in the flower. Typically Heath Fragrant Orchids have a lip with three lobes but the left and right ones are narrow, with the central one being longer. The lateral sepals side petals point down and are pointed.