Fragrant Orchid - Gymnadenia conopsea

One of Wiltshire’s commoner orchids the Fragrant Orchid often grows in the same places as other widespread species, especially Common Spotted-orchid and Pyramidal Orchid.

Habitats

The Fragrant Orchid can sometimes be found in large numbers in suitable habitats such as unimproved chalk grassland. It also grows in artificial habitats such as quarries and railway banks.

Description

The flower spike grows up to 40cm tall, bearing as many as 200 small flowers which have a distinctive smell of carnations or cloves; the flowers are usually pink in colour but sometimes can be white and are 8-12mm wide. A distinctive feature of each flower is its spur, which is very long and narrow, down-curved and full of nectar. The flower spike is about 15cm long at the top of the stem and is in flower from May to August. The leaves are unspotted, glossy green, strongly keeled and narrow. Many butterflies and day-flying moths are attracted to the flowers, which may also harbour well-camouflaged crab spiders which predate visiting insects.

Threats

Many of the downland sites for this orchid are designated nature reserves or legally protected sites for nature conservation. However, it prefers open ground and some losses to its habitat have occurred due to lack of grazing, scrubbing over, and other inappropriate management. It is still widespread in Wiltshire.

Conservation

The Fragrant Orchid is generally protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to uproot the plant without a landowner’s permission.