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Friday 12 June 2015

Greater Butterfly Orchid

I found this Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha) on my Woodland walk this week. There were three plants growing in a small clearing surrounded by trees. The actual ground where they were growing had previously been cleared of large bramble bushes during the previous Winter. I had not seen this Orchid before and when I researched it I couldn't define whether it was a Greater or Lesser Butterfly Orchid, having sought expert advice it was confirmed to me that it was the 'Greater' variety.











Unfortunately since having found the plant and subsequently revisiting the area, I discovered that some 'Individual' (best and most polite term I can come up with here for publication) has dug up one plant and taken it away. Seriously I would doubt that you can replant any Orchid somewhere else anyway, as I would think them very difficult to revive in such circumstances. 
So WHY bother.

You can just see the two remaining plants in the centre of the image in front of the tree stump.




28 comments:

  1. Oh Dear that is dreadful Roy Sme people are idiots (polite way of saying it) 2 However I am very glad you got these shots of this beautiful flower adn no 2 if my favourite. Have a great weekend.

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  2. I've been keeping an eye out for bee orchids on the local reserve, but no sign yet.

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks Alison, yes it was my first observation of this species. I didn't know they existed.

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  4. What a beautiful orchid - and how could someone do such an irresponsible thing when they are obviously rare in this location at least. I know a field where there are lots of orchids (though not this variety) so I must go and see whether they are in flower yet. Probably not tomorrow though as we have heavy rain forecast:)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks D, yes I would think they would be out by now in your area.

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  5. Bonsoir Roy
    Elle est très belle, et la deuxième photo a un bokeh magnifique.
    Biz

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  6. Hi Roy

    What a lovely flower. It is sad that despite all the attempts at educating people about the environment they still dig up wild flowers.

    All the best
    Guy

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  7. Very beautiful and unique! It is too bad that someone dug one up. Hopefully the other two will continue to flourish and grow there.

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  8. Hey Roy... It wasn't me I promise :} It is a shame when such lovely plants are not left in place. There is a reason they grow where they do. The soil and conditions are perfect for it to thrive there.
    It sure is a beauty.

    Grace

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  9. What a stunning Orchid Roy but such a shame that some idiot decided to dig one of them up!

    Hope you are well and kindest regards :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi David, thanks.
      Well thanks, as I hope you are.

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  10. I don't think I have seen these before- I hope they didn't disturb the roots of the other two.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Terri, they looked OK the last time I observed them.

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  11. Lovely find Roy, what a shame someone dug one up, irresponsible and selfish.

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  12. That is one gorgeous orchid you found!
    first time I see pics of it.
    It must be quite rare, congratulations!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Noushka. I have certainly never seen it before.

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  13. Roy, Oh NO! We have a wild orchid that grows here in new England called Lady's Slipper. I believe it is against the law to pick or disturb them as well, but that does not stop some people! What a nice find. I am so sorry someone did this.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kathie, yes its against the law here to uproot flowers as well.

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