distinguishing heath-spotted orchids from common-spotted orchids

[leifus]

At this time of year the spotted orchids begin to emerge so maybe the experts on these can shed some light as to how you distinguish between the two?

[KeenTeen17]

Originally Posted by leifus

At this time of year the spotted orchids begin to emerge so maybe the experts on these can shed some light as to how you distinguish between the two?

The Sharrap guide says :

Common spotted orchid is rather similar but can be separated by its broader and flatter leaves with the lowest leaf significantly shorter than the rest with a broad rounded tip. In both species the leaves are usually spotted but in common spotted, the spots are often larger bolder and usually elongated into short bars rather than being rounded. In common spotted, the lip is more deeply lobed with the incisions between the lobes cutting around halfway to the base of the lip and the three lobes more equal in size, the cental lobe is at least half the width of the side lobes and is usually longer to. Finally in common spotted orchid, the lip is marked with loops and lines rather than dots and the spur is shorter, thicker and tapers slightly towards the tip.

Typed all that myself

[IanS]

Habitat is useful indicator.
Common spotted usually has deep in cut teeth for the lower lip.
Heath spotted is a lot more blousy, and wider in the lower lip compared to common s...

[Gypsy Orchid]

Heath spotted Orchid photo taken inNew Forest 16/06/08 As IanS said more blousy and wider lip. Middle lobed slighty shorter than outer lobes.



Comm Spotted Orchid Middle lobe long and narrow.

Hope this helps Sylv

[leifus]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

The Sharrap guide says :



Typed all that myself

haha yeah but there isn't a single mention of heath spotted orchid heehee



and thanks everyone I will have to start practising as I'm determined to find a heath-spotted this year!!