Early marsh-orchid
Latin name: Dactylorhiza incarnata
Family: Orchidaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: May to July
Height: 10-35cm
Growing conditions: moist areas
Nectar source for:
Food source for:
Description
First recorded around 1840, nowhere is the early marsh-orchid common, It has disappeared from 43% of its historical range. The reduction was largely due to loss of ancient meadows, particularly in wetter areas. It also suffers from competition with more vigorous vegetation.
How to identify: The flowering spike is robust with a hollow stem, and bears up to 50 flowers. The labellum appears long and narrow, since its sides are folded back, and it has loop-shaped markings. The erect yellowish-green leaves are hooded at the tip and do not have spots.It has five subspecies ranging in colour from white through to red. The most common form is pale pink.
How to propagate: Hardy dactylorhiza orchids produce masses of tiny, dust-like seeds which travel great distances on the wind. However these tiny seeds don’t have a food supply of their own. The seeds need to come into contact with a specific mycorrhizal fungus in order to germinate. Micro-propagation allows the specific fungus needed to be introduced into the growing medium so seeds, or pieces of plant material, are able to thrive. This relationship between orchid and fungi is known as symbiosis. Early marsh orchids do well with other British wild flowers in a mini-meadow or bigger area of grassland for instance. They return year after year if happy.
Family: Orchidaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: May to July
Height: 10-35cm
Growing conditions: moist areas
Nectar source for:
Food source for:
Description
First recorded around 1840, nowhere is the early marsh-orchid common, It has disappeared from 43% of its historical range. The reduction was largely due to loss of ancient meadows, particularly in wetter areas. It also suffers from competition with more vigorous vegetation.
How to identify: The flowering spike is robust with a hollow stem, and bears up to 50 flowers. The labellum appears long and narrow, since its sides are folded back, and it has loop-shaped markings. The erect yellowish-green leaves are hooded at the tip and do not have spots.It has five subspecies ranging in colour from white through to red. The most common form is pale pink.
How to propagate: Hardy dactylorhiza orchids produce masses of tiny, dust-like seeds which travel great distances on the wind. However these tiny seeds don’t have a food supply of their own. The seeds need to come into contact with a specific mycorrhizal fungus in order to germinate. Micro-propagation allows the specific fungus needed to be introduced into the growing medium so seeds, or pieces of plant material, are able to thrive. This relationship between orchid and fungi is known as symbiosis. Early marsh orchids do well with other British wild flowers in a mini-meadow or bigger area of grassland for instance. They return year after year if happy.