> Gymnadenia odoratissima - an orchid of calcareous grassland

Gymnadenia odoratissima - (Orchidaceae)

Gymnadenia odoratissima

A pale pink Gymnadenia odoratissima

This orchid is very similar to Gymnadenia conopsea but it has fewer flowers on each spike and is rather spindly by comparison. Its colour can vary between quite a dark pink to a much paler shade and is sometimes white - see below.

White-flowered Gymnadenia odoratissima

The white form of Gymnadenia odoratissima

This orchid occurs in many parts of Europe, from as far north as southern Sweden to as far south as far as Italy and northern Spain. It prefers damp, calcareous conditions and grows in mountain pastures.

Close up of the white Gymnadenia odoratissima