fly orchid question

[leifus]

In the wood near me, fly orchids were recorded up until 10 years ago. The 'head-botanist' there told me where the site was and suspects that each year they start coming up but then get covered up by the dog's-mercury and then eaten by the deer. So, this spring, I am going to go and try and find them before the deer get there. So, when do you think they will start coming up? and if anyone happens to have any photos of the shoots then that would be brilliant

[Ferret]

Anne & Simon Harrap in there book Orchids of Britain and Ireland, a very usful book if you are interested in Orchids, gives the flowering period as 'Late April to early July but mostly in late May and early June' they will look similar to a dafodil or wild Tulip when they first appear.

Hope that helps and good luck, Ferret

[ceterach]

Hi Leifus

Came across this rosette of Man Orchid today, Fly Orchid rosette will be similar depending on where they are growing, in woods they are less robust.



It might be worth looking anytime from now on. I should add this was growing on a south facing slope and so is fairly early.

All the best

[Jim Ford]

They're surprisingly difficult to spot until you 'get your eye in', when they're in flower!

Jim

[ceterach]

Hi Jim

At the moment the Man Orchids are the only green leaves around!!!!

[Jim Ford]

I must get a decent shot of a man orchid this year - the only one I've got was taken a few years ago with a P&S. Also a frog orchid.

Jim

[leifus]

Originally Posted by ceterach

Hi Leifus

Came across this rosette of Man Orchid today, Fly Orchid rosette will be similar depending on where they are growing, in woods they are less robust.



It might be worth looking anytime from now on. I should add this was growing on a south facing slope and so is fairly early.

All the best

thanks thats really useful