Early Marsh Orchid is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in wetland, damp heaths and meadows, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
As the name suggests, the Early Marsh Orchid is one of the first orchids to flower and is found in wet or very damp habitats. The flowers may be pink, red, purple or cream depending on the sub-species. The flower featured here is the sub-species incarnata, which is a salmon-pink 'flesh' colour, patterned with spots, surrounded by loops. A distinguishing feature of Early Marsh Orchid subspecies incarnata is the shape of the flower lower lip, which is 'pinched' to make the lip appear narrow near the flower hood, opening out to a splayed, shallowly-lobed edge. The flowers also have strongly elevated upper wings. Early Marsh Orchid leaves are elongated, bright-green and unspotted.
Botanic classification and naming: Early Marsh Orchid is a member of the Orchid (Orchidaceae) family. The genus name
'Dactylorhiza' identifies the plant as a Orchid with 'finger-like roots' and its species name 'incarnata' means 'flesh-coloured (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. Patches of Early Marsh Orchid can be found widely across the UK, but the plant is threatened by loss of habitat.
Benefits: Early Marsh Orchid is pollinated by a range of bee species.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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