Dactylorhiza maculata subs. fuchsii (hypochromatic form)
Dactylorhiza maculata subs. fuchsii (Orchidaceae) 178 22
Dactylorhiza fuchsii is a widespread and abundant orchid with a distribution throughout temperate Europe, as far east as Siberia and is a member of the large Dactylorhiza maculata group of the genus Dactylorhiza. Dactylorhiza fuchsii and Dactylorhiza maculata share a close morphological resemblance but their differing habitat choice is a key differentiation, with the latter species exclusively a plant of acidic or neutral substrates and Dactylorhiza fuchsii an orchid of alkaline soils. There are also morphological features that serve to distinguish them, among them, the more slender, pointed leaves and less centralized, more discreet lip markings of Dactylorhiza maculata. These characteristics seem to be less apparent in the central and eastern parts of their range and this greater convergence leads some botanists not to recognize any species separation.
Dactylorhiza fuchsii although exclusively tied to non acidic soils, is nonetheless tolerant of a wide range of conditions from the driest chalk grassland to marshes and from full sun to shade. Its flowers are typically pale with bold markings and it's not uncommon to find completely white examples.
Source: Orchids of Britain and Europe.
Dactylorhiza maculata subs. fuchsii (hypochromatic form)
Dactylorhiza maculata subs. fuchsii (Orchidaceae) 178 22
Dactylorhiza fuchsii is a widespread and abundant orchid with a distribution throughout temperate Europe, as far east as Siberia and is a member of the large Dactylorhiza maculata group of the genus Dactylorhiza. Dactylorhiza fuchsii and Dactylorhiza maculata share a close morphological resemblance but their differing habitat choice is a key differentiation, with the latter species exclusively a plant of acidic or neutral substrates and Dactylorhiza fuchsii an orchid of alkaline soils. There are also morphological features that serve to distinguish them, among them, the more slender, pointed leaves and less centralized, more discreet lip markings of Dactylorhiza maculata. These characteristics seem to be less apparent in the central and eastern parts of their range and this greater convergence leads some botanists not to recognize any species separation.
Dactylorhiza fuchsii although exclusively tied to non acidic soils, is nonetheless tolerant of a wide range of conditions from the driest chalk grassland to marshes and from full sun to shade. Its flowers are typically pale with bold markings and it's not uncommon to find completely white examples.
Source: Orchids of Britain and Europe.