Early Purple Orchid

dynamic - By fosh_admin on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 16:11

Ruth found this Early Purple Orchid, Orchis mascula, among the nettles in Sharphill Wood.   The leaves were darkly spotted.   According to the description at the field guide for British Orchids;

"When the flowers are just opened the scent is usually sweet, like honey, but soon smells strongly of tom-cat's urine"

So check before trying to smell it.