Dactylorhiza fuchsii - Common Spotted-orchid

Common this orchid may be, but it is no less beautiful for that. The variations in colour and lip-markings between specimens bear testimony to the diversity that can be found in a single orchid species.

This orchid grows to around 20 cm to 50 cm but specimens up to 70 cm can be found which makes it generally taller than the Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) with which it is often confused. The lip of the Common Spotted-orchid has an exaggerated central tooth. Provided the soil conditions are calcareous the Common Spotted-orchid can pop up almost anywhere, in dune slacks, meadows and on roadside verges.

The specimen above was photographed in North Wales in June.

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