WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread but local throughout the Southern half of the UK and very scattered in the North up to Southern Scotland. It has declined massively and continues to do so but where it does occur it can appear in the thousands. Habitat includes: Damp to dry, base-rich to slightly acidic soils in places such as hay meadows, pastures, grassland, sand dunes, heathland, roadside verges, old quarries, gravel-pits, churchyards, gardens (lawns). Growing habit: Tuberous Perennial. Flowers: Late April to June. Height: Up to 40 cm. Other names include: Orchis morio, Green-veined Orchid. Life span: Individual plants may flower for up to 17 years. Life Story: The flowers do not produce Nectar but attract pollinators visually. Fungal parteners: Epulorhiza repens (Tulasnellaceae), Moniliopsis solani (Ceratobasidiaceae).