Common Spotted Orchid

Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii


I might be turning into an 'orchidiot' (someone with a single-minded orchid obsession) but I was so pleased to find another species of orchid growing in close proximity to the Northern Marsh Orchids I thought another post was in order.  Although these are among the commonest orchids, to see any orchid in a city-centre park is a treat. Not just that though, they are growing in close proximity to an area where rough sleepers sometimes camp out and where people who should know better light fires. Somehow one of our most delicate flowers has managed to force itself into bloom in this unpromising location.
Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylyorhiza fuchsii) has the standard dactylorchid structure shown in the schematic below.  At first sight, it might look similar to Northern Marsh-orchid, but there are some differences that allow the two species to be separated.  For a full account, however, you should consult a key or a specialist book on orchids. The most obvious differences are the horizontally orientated spots on the lower leaves, the deeply divided labellum and the lateral sepals splaying out relatively horizontally - see photos below.

 Schematic of Dactylorhiza fuchsii anatomy. Deeply divided labellum (greater than 1/2 length).
Also, lateral  sepals splay out fairly horizontally

Lower leaves showing horizontally orientated spots

Inflorescence

Individual flowers - note the deeply divided labellum

Where to find common spotted orchid

Once again, I am not telling you; you will have to find them yourself. The reward for this effort is one of the most exquisitely beautiful flowers in the park. So in late May and most of June, you should get out there and look for them.

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