Military Orchid
Military Orchids / orchis militaris. Homefield Wood, Buckinghamshire. 01/06/18.
'ANTHROPOMORPHISING AT ITS BEST!'
Rather a stately group of Military Orchids and in fine, fresh condition. I would guess that the three larger spikes were at least 40cms tall.
Each of the flowers 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 soldiers 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.
(When the image is viewed large, the contrasts show up more clearly.)
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Military Orchid
Military Orchids / orchis militaris. Homefield Wood, Buckinghamshire. 01/06/18.
'ANTHROPOMORPHISING AT ITS BEST!'
Rather a stately group of Military Orchids and in fine, fresh condition. I would guess that the three larger spikes were at least 40cms tall.
Each of the flowers 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 soldiers 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.
(When the image is viewed large, the contrasts show up more clearly.)
BEST VIEWED LARGE.