Sunday 4 June 2023

New Species - Southern Marsh Orchid

I usually get at least one definite HSO amongst the Common Spotted Orchids although there are usually a few that are somewhere in between as they hybridise. This Orchid definitely looked different to the norm and I had difficulty in deciding on its genetics but I got some help and it was decided by email to be a Heath Spotted Orchid. The difference were the lack of any spots on the leaves, the darker colour and the markings on the flower lip. The darker colour and lack of spots point towards a Southern Marsh Orchid but the lip pattern more Heath Spotted . However when the County Flower Recorder happened by she siad this was wholly or mainly Southern Marsh Orchid so that counts in my book as a seventh Orchid species. Nobody argues with the County Flower Recorder!

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