Lady Orchid is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in open woodland and chalk grassland, mainly in kent, to a mature height of up to 80cm.
The Lady Orchid bears its flowers in dense spikes and gets its name from the shape of its flowers, which resemble a woman's head, arms, and a smock. The flower lower lip ('smock') and wings ('arms') are white, with magenta to purple edges and tufted spots. The flower hood ('head') is made up of sepals and upper petals and is intensely stained a dark brownish-purple. The leaves of the Lady Orchid are broad, glossy, unmarked and arranged in a rosette at the base, with a couple of leaves enclosing the stem.
Botanic classification and naming: Lady Orchid is a member of the Orchid (Orchidaceae) family. The genus name
'Orchis' identifies the plant as a Orchid with paired tubers resembling 'testicles' and its species name 'purpurea' means 'purple (flowers)'.
Concerns: Orchids, like wild flowers in general, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) from being removed from the wild. Rare orchids such as the Early Spider Orchid, Monkey Orchid and Lady's Slipper Orchid are additionally protected from picking and damage. In the UK, Lady Orchid is considered to be an 'endangered' species.
Benefits: Lady Orchid is pollinated by small bees and flies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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