Dactylorhiza praetermissa - Southern Marsh-orchid - (Orchidaceae)

Dactylorhiza praetermissa - Southern Marsh-orchid

Widespread and fairly common throughout Europe as far North as Southwest Norway this orchid favours marshy ground and dune slacks and often occurs with the Northern Marsh-orchid which makes accurate identification tricky.

The Southern Marsh-orchid typically grows to between 30 to 50 cm in height although taller specimens up to 70 cm can occur. Difficult to distinguish from the Northern Marsh-orchid, Dactylorhiza purpurella, the lip of the Southern Marsh-orchid is gently rounded and folds back on itself. The lip of the Northern Marsh-orchid is more angular.

The specimen above was photographed in Kenfig Nature Reserve in South Wales, in late spring.