Spiranthes spiralis - Autumn Lady's
Tresses
This orchid can occur in vast numbers one year and
then virtually disappear for several years before
reappearing in even greater numbers than before.
Autumn Lady's Tresses grow up to about 20 cm tall, and
their blue-green leaves cling to the stem and look almost
like scales. The way in which the flowers grow is a clue
to the origin of the plant's Latin name, Spiranthes
spiralis, since they form a spiral around the stem.
This orchid favours short, cropped grass and grows on
coastal flat-topped cliffs and dunes and often appears on
short cut lawns on the coast in large numbers. The plants
are small and can be quite difficult to spot but are
widespread thoughout Europe although not in the North.
The specimen above was photographed in early August at
Kenfig Nature Reserve in South Wales.
Wild Orchids in Wales
Dozens of wild orchid are featured in the First Nature Guide to
Locating and Identifying Wild Orchids in Wales
Wild Orchids in The Burren
Ireland's world-famous limestone pavement habitat
in County Clare is home to nearly every wild orchid found in Ireland.
A full colour guide to the Burren's orchids is now available
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