Himantoglossum hircinum - Lizard Orchid - (Orchidaceae)

This orchid is rare in the UK but more easily found in parts of France and other European countries.

The Lizard Orchid can grow up to a metre in height but can nonentheless be difficult to spot if it is growing, as it often does, in long grass. It grows on calcareous soil and likes a sunny position. Now rare in the UK and only appearing there in large numbers on the golf links at Sandwich in Kent, it is widespread in parts of Southern Europe. The Lizard Orchid is pollinated by insects and, in particular, bees. The long, tail-like lip is often spiralled and dotted with pink or purple in the centre. The flowers have a rather foul smell which is said to be similar to the smell of goats.

Himantoglossum hircinum

Lizard Orchids growing on the side of the road in the Lot Valley, France

A lovely colony of Lizard Orchids found on the roadside in the Lot Valley in France.

The specimens on this page were photographed in the Lot Valley, France in late May where they occur in vast numbers on the roadsides and in the meadows.