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|  » Stats |
Members: 50,177
Threads: 82,406
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Top Poster: glsammy (15,069)
| | Welcome to our newest member, Ruralman | |  | 
15-05-2008, 05:38 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Corfe Mullen, Dorset
Posts: 1,618
| | | Rare Helleborine (orchid family)
Just thought you might like to see the rare White Helleborine (Orchid family) that I found today. Counted about 50 stems in a small area near to Badbury Rings in Dorset, under the Beech Tree Avenue. Will go back in a week or two to see if they are out fully, and photograph some more (in better light). 
Jane |
15-05-2008, 06:18 PM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 549
| | | Re: Rare Helleborine (orchid family)
Hi
Unfortunately, in my experience,the flowers do not usually open much wider than the lower ones in your photo. Funnily enough however the plants on Badbury Rings seem to be better than most but you have to catch them at exactly the right time because they do not stay open for long.
Lovely plant.
All the best
__________________
John
http://www.orchidsofbritainandeurope.co.uk/ |
15-05-2008, 07:10 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,421
| | | Re: Rare Helleborine (orchid family)
Is that what that is? I saw loads of these the other day and didn't even bother downloading the photo from the camera. Perhaps I will have to go back and take some more photos now I know it is rare!  |
15-05-2008, 10:14 PM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: May 2006 Location: Norwich and Oxford!
Posts: 743
| | | Re: Rare Helleborine (orchid family)
These are now coming into flower in the Chilterns. Unfortunately I am yet to get a decent photo of one. Each time I find any its growing in either too dark conditions or blowing a gale! Blurred and fuzzy photos I have a plenty, but none as good as yours! |
15-05-2008, 10:29 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Corfe Mullen, Dorset
Posts: 1,618
| | | Re: Rare Helleborine (orchid family)
When I say "rare" I think the exact term is "plentiful in suitable habitats" but "many populations have been lost through inappropriate woodland clearance" according to the Britiains Orchids Fieldguide Website....
Lovely plant, and the first I have seen (pointed out to me by two very experienced naturalists - many thanks John & Peter!).
Apparently you need to look out for them on "woodland on chalk or limestone with little ground cover, especially Beech woods where it can occur in considerable numbers. Occasionally found on open downland". These were under beech with very little around them.
Apparently the butterfly orchids are starting to flower at Badbury Rings as well, so if/when the sun comes out I think I will go on an "orchid hunt".
Jane
Last edited by tigger; 15-05-2008 at 10:32 PM.
|
15-05-2008, 10:48 PM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Edge of the New Forest, Hampshire
Posts: 5,208
| | | Re: Rare Helleborine (orchid family)
Time to go to Badbury Rings for me to soon. Good to see the chalk flowers & butterflies.  | | |
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