Possible orchid species?

[Steven Munday]

While I was out birdwatching on the South Downs I noticed these flowers growing on a slope. The flower spikes were small, about two to three centimetres in length (pic 1). The flowers have the anatomical features that I would relate to orchids (pic 2), but I have been unable to identify them as any orchids species found in the UK, so perhaps they’re not. The lip is divided into a finger-like structure and there are two distinct colour forms, blue (as pictured) and pink. I have exhausted my resources and would appreciate any help.


pic 1


pic 2

Within the same area I also found Early Spider Orchids (pic 3) which I would appreciate conformation of, and a plant (pic 4) which I am currently researching but I would be grateful for any suggestions.


pic3


pic 4

This year I have decided to take more of an interest in wild flowers and these are the first wild orchids I have seen, but it’s still early in the year and this area of the South Downs is renowned for its orchids and butterfly species, so I look forward to summer.

Many thanks.

Steven.

[Uncle_Filthster]

Chalk milkwort, yes an early spider orchid, and yellow-wort

[Bub-les]

I'm pretty sure your unknown is a milkwort Polygala sp.
Barbara

[Tiggrx]

I would guess that the Milkwort is Common Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris), rather than Chalk Milkwort (P. calcarea). Chalk Milkwort is usually a more intense blue colour and only rarely has pink flowers. Common Milkwort is quite variable in colour.

[Steven Munday]

Thank you for your IDs, I look forward to seeing the Yellow-wort in flower. The Milkwort sp. is a difficult one to pin down from the photo. From what I have read, flower colour is not reliable to seperate them. When I'm back in the area I will take a look to see if I can locate a basal leaf rosette.