Military Orchid
Military Orchid / orchis militaris. Homefield Wood, Buckinghamshire. 31/05/18.
'ANTHROPOMORPHISING AT ITS BEST!'
A close-up of one flower on a Military Orchid and (with a stretch of the imagination), showing how the plant gained its anthropomorphic common name.
Each flower is likened to a small soldier complete with arms, short stumpy legs and rows of tunic buttons running up his chest.
Three sepals above the 'body' hide the petals below and create the soldier's helmet. This is wider and rounded at the back and narrower, with points at the front. The exterior is noticeably paler, either white or a very delicate pink with few, if any, markings. By contrast, the interior of the helmet is darker with striking purple stripes.
This is definitely an orchid to devote some time on and have a really close look at.
Military Orchid
Military Orchid / orchis militaris. Homefield Wood, Buckinghamshire. 31/05/18.
'ANTHROPOMORPHISING AT ITS BEST!'
A close-up of one flower on a Military Orchid and (with a stretch of the imagination), showing how the plant gained its anthropomorphic common name.
Each flower is likened to a small soldier complete with arms, short stumpy legs and rows of tunic buttons running up his chest.
Three sepals above the 'body' hide the petals below and create the soldier's helmet. This is wider and rounded at the back and narrower, with points at the front. The exterior is noticeably paler, either white or a very delicate pink with few, if any, markings. By contrast, the interior of the helmet is darker with striking purple stripes.
This is definitely an orchid to devote some time on and have a really close look at.