Orchid Identification Please

[petes123]

I found this orchid in a wood near Cheltenham today. There are plenty of Greater Butterfly Orchids in this wood, but this one only has one flower at the top of the stem, unlike the Butterfly which has multiple flowers down the stem.

[earthdragon64]

The way to tell the 2 species apart is to look at the Pollinia and see if they are parallel or if they diverge. Parallel are Lesser, divergent are Greater. From what I can see in the photo, I'd say Greater.

Regards, Audrey.

[Dorts]

I agree with Audrey, Greater Butterfly Orchid - Plantanthera chlorantha.
It has a lovely scent, especially in the evening, to attract pollinating moths.
Dorts.

[Hedera]

Had something damaged or eaten the rest of the flower buds? Perhaps just a fluke. Very intriguing flower.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Hedera

Had something damaged or eaten the rest of the flower buds? Perhaps just a fluke. Very intriguing flower.

I think Hedera's probably right; it's been eaten. I know in many places where they grow they often get nibbled-off by deer, especially Roe Deer.
Dorts.

[petes123]

Thanks for all the help. I'm disappointed as I thought it might be a rare species! There was no sign of any other flowers that might have dropped off the stem or been eaten. Perhaps it was a mutant! Still, this wood has at least 6 species of orchid, so I'm lucky to have it close by.