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Neotinea ustulata (Orchidaceae) ) 149 24
The name of this beautiful orchid refers to the dark red coloration of the unopened flowers that produces the scorched effect from which the common name burnt-tipped orchid is derived.
It is an isolated species that has always been the subject of debate as to its true generic origin. It began its existence formally described as Neotinia ustulata and was later reclassified as Orchis, where it remained for many years until research indicated that both it and its companions in the Orchis tridentata group should be more properly relocated to the Neotinia stable. It has always been puzzling that, despite often growing in the thousands with other Orchis species, Orchis ustulata has never been found to hybridize with any species other than Orchis. tridentata.
It is a widespread orchid, with a range that takes it from the Faroe Islands and Sweden north to the Mediterranean and east to western Siberia. It is usually most common in mountainous areas, where it prefers a full sun location on alkaline soils, usually short grass and alpine pastures.
Given its range of ecological zones, it can be found from April to August. Today it is known to have at least two successive flowering waves, and these later flowering plants are believed to be a separate subspecies, tentatively named aestivalis.
Source: John and Gerry's Orchids of Britain and Europe
Dactylorhiza majalis (Orchidaceae) 195 24
This species was first described from Dresden, Germany by Reichenbach in 1828 and was initially ascribed the title Orchis latifolia which after several reclassifications became the Dactylorhiza majalis we are familiar with today. Its name refers to the month of May which although accurate, is very much at the start of what is an early flowering season for an essentially montane member of the Dactylorhiza genus.
Dactylorhiza majalis is a widespread species with a range throughout the central European alpine region from northern Spain through to the Dolomites and the mountains of eastern Europe, possibly as far as Russia. It can be found in damp or wet conditions on alkaline or mildly acidic substrates in lowland sites or upland areas up to a height of approx 2000 meters.
It is a species that can vary greatly in its vegetative characteristics but seems to be strangely consistent in flower formation, despite frequent genetic ingression by other similar species from within the genus. The plant itself is robust and the inflorescence, although sturdy is not particularly tall or dense, carrying flowers that are not strikingly marked and appear to be more uniformly purple than Dactylorhiza alpestris which has a distinct and more extensive white peripheral area surrounding the stigmatic cavity.
The leaves are normally dark green and heavily spotted with purple or dark brown blotches on the upper sides, though this cannot be taken as diagnostic as there are recorded examples of both non spotted examples and those with heavy double sided blotching.
Source: John and Gerry's Orchids of Britain and Europe
Another LE at Botany Bay from last week. Caroline and I visited some of the bays surrounding Broadstairs. Took a few long exposures. This was about a minute according to the meta data. This is a really lovely spot. Can only thank Matt for introducing us to this beautiful part of the world...
I decided to try to process one of my other shots from Botany Bay back in September...this time with a bit of a deep forest feel.
Towing quite the load, 4911 and 4917 make a racket as they departure Botany with T171 to Linx at Enfield. Due to a shortage of locos this week numerous "spare" locomotives were put to work on this train. 4911 and 4917 have since returned to AK car working, out near their usual stomping ground near the light branchlines.
2020-09-07 SSR 4911-4917 Botany Gelco T171
Bleeding hearts can symbolize sorrow and lost love for some, but beauty and positive energy for others. The bloom colors are often associated with positive energy, love, friendship, and warmth at home. However, the flowers are poisonous.
Longwood Gardens Pa.
Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment and favoring my images. Enjoy the day.
A compelling read, Botany of Desire, by Michael Pollan, is a look at how nature's desires and human desires are often intertwined for the mutual good of each other. We have domesticated plants to satisfy our needs, and these plants have adapted so they can reproduce. Woven into this is how animals capitalize on these desires to make the world more advantageous to their own needs.
Plants, people, animals ... in some miraculous natural balance. Cooperation without agreeing to cooperate.
If you have some time, a library near you likely carries the title. :)