old bird's-nest orchid and scarlet pimpernel

[leifus]

firstly, I'm pretty sure this is an old bird's-nest orchid, but a confirmation would be lovely (the habitat was perfect)







and secondly I found this pink/purple form of Anagallis arvensis ssp arvensis and was wondering if anyone could put a name on the variety?

[Dorts]

Hi Leif.
Previous years flower spikes of Bird'snest Orchid are more persistant than any other species of orchid in my experience, and they look just like your spike, which I'm sure is an old Bird'snest Orchid. Ive seen up to seven years worth of old flower spikes beside a flowering plant.

The pink pimpernel is Anagallis arvensis var. carnea. Plants can vary in colour but are generally more pink than yours. Also plants are usually more compact than the 'type'.
Dorts.

[leifus]

Originally Posted by Dorts

Hi Leif.
Previous years flower spikes of Bird'snest Orchid are more persistant than any other species of orchid in my experience, and they look just like your spike, which I'm sure is an old Bird'snest Orchid. Ive seen up to seven years worth of old flower spikes beside a flowering plant.

The pink pimpernel is Anagallis arvensis var. carnea. Plants can vary in colour but are generally more pink than yours. Also plants are usually more compact than the 'type'.
Dorts.

thanks Dorts, that's excellent. Those bird's-nest orchids were less than two miles from my house, so that's exciting! I've found so many different orchids near where I live, but I still can't find a bee orchid, no matter how hard I try!