May sees the beginning of the orchid season, here in the UK. The family Orchidaceae “The Orchid family” is one of the biggest, most diverse, families of flowering plants in the world, with over 27,000 species. It is also one of the oldest. Orchids in one form or another have been on Earth for 76 to 84 million years.
Many Orchids have evolved flowers that are designed to attract a particular family of insects. This specialisation provides us with the pleasure of some of the most spectacular and unusual, flower shapes around. Along with the exotic looking, like the Lesser Butterfly orchid Platanthera bifolia you also get flowers that are downright peculiar. The Twayblade, Neottia ovata (formerly Listera ovata) one of our commonest orchids, is not a show off, when it comes to flowers. But evolutionary specialisation has been possible, because of how long these plants, have been around.
Fly Orchid Ophrys insectifera flower
No matter where you live, orchids are there. We’ve photographed orchids, from Cornwall to Shetland. First get to know your orchid, there is lots of information available on the internet. Familiarise yourself with the different species, found here in the UK and where they grow. Lots of websites will give you information about the habitat a particular species prefers.
Once you know your subject try and visit somewhere that is likely to be good for orchids. Visit websites like “The Wildlife Trusts” you can find out where to visit in your area.
Please remember, all wild plants deserve your respect. Don’t damage other plants nearby. If you are just looking, then look, don’t trample either the Orchids or other plants in your haste to get closer. If you are taking pictures, and you have to move a leaf, move it don’t cut it. When you have finished, put everything back where it was.
Enjoy and good luck with your Orchid hunting.
By 
Comments RSS Feed