Green-Winged Orchid is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in unimproved meadows and chalk grassland, to a mature height of up to 15cm.
The Green-Winged Orchid, or Green-Veined Orchid, is named after the distinctive greenish-coloured veins in the sepals that form its flower 'hood'. These are most easily distinguished in specimens bearing pink or white flowers, although most plants have purple or magenta flowers, where the veins are purplish in colour. Sometimes the Early Purple Orchid is mistaken for the Green-Winged Orchid and hybridisation between the two species also occurs. Apart from its veined sepal patterns, Green-Winged Orchid differs from the Early Purple Orchid by having: a shorter height; a strongly-spotted white area within the flower's lower central lobe; more oval-shaped leaves, devoid of spots; and some leaves erect, or wrapping around the stem.
Botanic classification and naming: Green-Winged Orchid is a member of the Orchid (Orchidaceae) family. The genus name
'Anacamptis' identifies the plant as a Orchid with 'bent back' shaped flowers and its species name 'morio' means 'clown (stripy spotted 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. Green-Winged Orchid is found in patches, mainly in the South. In the UK, it is considered to be 'near threatened' and is in rapid decline, owing to habitat loss.
Benefits: The Green-Winged Orchid, like the Early Purple Orchid, does not produce nectar but attracts pollinating insects (mainly bee species), by its bright flowers, scent and mimicking flowers that produce nectar.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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