Lizard Orchid and Campanula sp.?

[broadbill]

Enjoyed my first gorgeous Lizard Orchids this weekend!



Also saw this lovely blue flower which I think is a species of Campanula - I think maybe C. trachelium, the Nettle Leaved Bellflower, but wasn't sure if I could differentiate from Giant Bellflower with certainty? Any help gratefully received!



Thanks

Chris.

[IanS]

hi
Lizard orchids are amazing plants aren't they!
Your other plant looks like nettle leaved bell flower to me. Giant bell flower is a central to northern England plant so unlikely to be found with your orchid.

[Dorts]

Yes, Nettle-leaved Bellflower - Campanula trachelium.

Lovely Lizard Orchids Chris. This species has to be the toughest there is. I remember, (many years ago), finding a plant growing on a trackway that had been run-over by several cars. I thought it would make a nice adition to my herbarium! Try as I might I could not break the stem; I pulled, tugged and twisted but it would not break and it was not until someone produced a knife that I got my prize.
A lovely Orchid but tough as old boots!
Dorts.

[broadbill]

Thanks Ian,

The Campanula was on a Suffolk road verge, so I guess not likely to be a Giant Bellflower according to your advice on range. Many thanks for the info!

Chris.

[broadbill]

Thanks Dorts!

[alindsay]

Congratulations on the quality of the Lizard Orchid photos. I look forward to seeing one someday.

Thanks for sharing

[INHT]

The Lizard Orchid is amazing. I'm jealous. I've never seen one. I went to a site in Surrey at the weekend in the hope of seeing Man Orchid but didn't see it. Does anyone know when they flower? Maybe I was too early.
Becky

[broadbill]

Hi Becky

I failed to find Man Orchid this year at a site in Suffolk where I saw them last year - not sure why, perhaps the dry spring?

I think it may be a little late for them now but I'm no expert!

Chris.

[ceterach]

Originally Posted by INHT

The Lizard Orchid is amazing. I'm jealous. I've never seen one. I went to a site in Surrey at the weekend in the hope of seeing Man Orchid but didn't see it. Does anyone know when they flower? Maybe I was too early.
Becky

Hi Becky

Man Orchid (Orchisd anthropophora) in Surrey usually flowers May/June but was very early this year, if you could find one. I monitor a population in N.Surrey and at the start of April there were over fifty spikes developing, by Easter they had all shrivelled because of the hot dry weather. It is the third year running that they have failed to put on a good show.

All the best

[INHT]

Hi John,

We visited Hutchinsons Bank (LWT) which I think is just in Surrey. Is this anywhere near your survey site? Thanks for the useful information. I'd really like to see this species so will keep my eyes open - looks like I'll have to wait for next spring though.
Becky