Orchid ID

[rscott74]

Orchids appear to be out in force here and elsewhere but like most things I come across I'm not certain of IDs. I think these are Marsh Orchids but after looking at recent posts on the subject I'm not so sure.

The first 2 images were taken 5 days earlier than nos. 3 & 4 and, to my untrained eye, there may be subtle differences.
I hope someone can assist.

I find the Orchids tend to appear in close proximity to one another is it fair to assume that, unless there obvious differences, they will be the same species?

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4

[tufftie]

I think they are marsh orchids too

[JennyS]

I find the Orchids tend to appear in close proximity to one another is it fair to assume that, unless there obvious differences, they will be the same species?

All the Dactylorhiza (Marsh and Spotted Orchids) have got a horrible tendency to hybridise.......

4. looks like Southern Marsh Orchid (D.praetermissa) but its not one I come across here in Ireland so wouldn't be 100% sure.......

[rscott74]

This another Orchid from 2 days ago and would suggest Early Marsh-orchid. Anyone agree/disagree?

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[kielder]

Agree, I do think it is the same as this one http://www.chasewater.org.uk/images/...2008-06-07.jpg

[rscott74]

Thanks for responses. It seems I might be getting some (the easy ones) right.

[Andy Warne]

This another Orchid from 2 days ago and would suggest Early Marsh-orchid. Anyone agree/disagree?

I do love marsh orchids, but they are a right pain.
I would disagree with Early Marsh, I think the flowers should be narrower and the lateral sepals (the sticky out bits that look like donkey's ears) should be held much more erect.
Personally I would go for some manner of hybrid.

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by Andy Warne

I do love marsh orchids, but they are a right pain.
I would disagree with Early Marsh, I think the flowers should be narrower and the lateral sepals (the sticky out bits that look like donkey's ears) should be held much more erect.
Personally I would go for some manner of hybrid.

I'd question Early Marsh too - the spreading sepals and large middle lobe to the lip are more like Common Spotted Orchid and as Andy said there's always the question of hybrids.

[Uncle_Filthster]

Northern marsh, possibly with some hybridisation with common spotted. Hybrids between the two are very common in the north east. Southern marsh is restricted to very few sites in the north east as it is on it's northern limit.