Common Spotted Orchid is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in chalk grassland, woodland, meadows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 60cm.
Common Spotted Orchid flowers have a white to purple base colour with pink, lilac or purple markings. The plant has distinctive purple oval spots aligned across its lower leaves.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Spotted 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 'fuchsii' means 'named after the botanist Fuchs'.
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. The Common Spotted Orchid is considered to be 'common' in the UK.
Benefits: The nectar of the Common Spotted Orchid attracts a range of insect pollinators, especially beetles. The strong perfume of the flowers attracts daytime moths.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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