Got a tip-off that some Military Orchids were viewable in the Brecks without having to book on a guided tour to the Suffolk WT nature reserve, which famously hosts a colony. This is an exceptionally rare species in the UK, so it was a real privelege to see these orchids. They had passed their best just slightly; apparently the flowers rapidly wither as soon as they are pollinated. Each floret is said to resemble a soldier, though the tiny figure appeared to be wearing a bonnet - not that solider-like!
The orchids were growing in a mossy former sandpit, with a lot of birch regrowth which presumably is cut each year. A number of Southern Marsh orchids were also growing here, along with Mouse-ear Hawkweed.
No comments:
Post a Comment