Gymnadenia conopsea - Chalk Fragrant-orchid - (Orchidaceae)

The Fragrant orchids have been the subject of much molecular study in recent years, and as a result of the considerable differences revealed between them, the three British-growing varieties currently recognised as Gymnadenia conopsea (Chalk Fragrant-orchid), Gymnadenia borealis (Heath Fragrant-orchid) and Gymnadenia densiflora (Marsh Fragrant-orchid) may eventually be accepted as three distinct species. The third of these types, Marsh Fragrant-orchid, grows in alkaline marshy ground and is therefore more easily distinguishable by habitat if not by obvious morphological differences. The remaining types, Chalk Fragrant-orchid and Heath Fragrant-orchid are more difficult to tell apart: not only do they look very similar, but there are also numerous intermediate specimens between them adding to the confusion.

Fragrant Orchid

Not just another 'pink orchid', the fragrant orchids can be distinguished from others by their sweet, intense perfume and distinctive flower shape.

Closeup of infloresence of Fragrant Orchid

The Chalk Fragrant-orchid grows up to 40 cm and can pack up to 200 flowers on a single infloresence. This plant can be found in chalk grasslands. In Wales they are particularly numerous in dune slacks, a habitat rich in chalk due to the high content of crushed sea shells present there. Two excellent places to see the Chalk Fragrant-orchid there are Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales, and Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve in Anglesey in North Wales. In Ireland The Burren is an outstanding place to see these orchids.

This orchid is well distributed throughout Europe and into eastern Asia, China and the Himalayas but are rarely found in the Mediterranean zone. In the Alpine dry meadows of Slovenia this orchid grows alongside Gymnadenia odoratissima giving one the unique chance to make comparisons to the two species.

The specimens above were photographed at Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales in late June.