Saturday, 18 June 2011

Northern marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza purpurella)

Orchid identification is not straightforward - and it is complicated by their ability to hybridise.  These are, I believe, Northern marsh orchids growing on a bank behind Shorefield.
Carl
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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous18 June 2011 at 16:12

    There's a relatively easy way to tell Northern Marsh Orchid from the very similar (but usually smaller) Early Marsh Orchid. Squeeze the stem near the base and if it hard and solid, then it's Northern Marsh. If it is soft and therefore hollow, it is Early Marsh. The latter tends to have a smaller and looser flower spike. The orchids in the foreground could be Early Marsh so go back and squeeze their stems!!
    Malcolm

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