Wild Orchids
in the Algarve
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Liparis loeselii - Fen Orchid

The Fen orchid is very small and inconspicuous and is now listed as an endangered species in Britain where it occurs in permanently wet marshland on the Norfolk Broads. By far the larger part of the Brisith population can be found in the dune slacks of South Wales - up to 60% of the total number.

Like the Twayblades to which the Fen orchid is related it is hard to spot as it blends in so well with the other plants to be found in the same area. It seldom grows taller than 25 cm, normally has two broad leaves (again like the Twayblades) and typically three to six distinctive greenish-yellow flowers. It occurs throughout the temperate zone of Europe and also in temperate and boreal North America.

The specimen above was photographed at Kenfig Nature Reserve in South Wales in mid June.

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