Lindisfarne Helleborine Epipactis Sancta July 9th 2019 is one a number of orchids that only exist in the UK. In the case of the Lindisfarne Helleborine it grows only on Holy Island in a tiny colony of no more than 300 plants. Closely related to the Dune Helleborine it grows in similar conditions to that species often in the driest parts of the dune slacks.
Self pollinating, in drier seasons it may not open the flowers just letting the flower buds wither unopened similarly to the Green Helleborine. Flowering period is early July. The plant is a sickly looking yellow green and can reach a height of 40cm but often is around half that size. Flowers are small clotted cream coloured with a characteristic greenish tinge at the tip of the lip. Flowers are no larger than 2cm across. Identification is a moot point though as they are only to be found on Holy Island and none of the species that could be confused with them grow there!