Mystery Orchid for ID please

[jeffnsue]

Hi again

In my few posts so far seeking ID confirmation, I've been reasonably sure of the genus of the subject but this one has me stumped completely.

It was growing on limestone in the hills south of Oswestry and I think the spotted leaf on the first photo belongs to it. Close by were Pyramidal, Bee and Common Spotted. This orchid has virtually no lip, a longish spur, the ovary is purple and the bract green edged with purple. It was around 10cm tall and difficult to photograph as it was tucked away at the base of a rock, allowing access from only one side

Can anyone help please, thanks

Jeff

[IanS]

My first thought is of an aberrant fragrant orchid. The plants flowers are missing the lip.

[jeffnsue]

Thanks Ian, didn't see any other Fragrants on that site, though they were in flower on another site two miles away.

Jeff

[Dorts]

This plant, (what there is of it!), is right for Common Spotted. There are purple marks on the 'lips'. The petals colour, size and shape are ok. It's the lower-leaves that are the give-away, broad, flat and with purple spots, typical Common Spotted.
I have seen Common Spotted's like this plant before, that is without an entire lip.
Though I have to agree with Ian, it does have some resemblance to a Fragrant Orchid.
Stange plant, should go in the 'Aberrant' thread.
Dorts.

[jeffnsue]

Thanks Dorts, thought the mystery plant would be 'Common Spotted' related because of the basal leaf, but didn't know whether it was an oddity or a hybrid. Couldn't fimd any likely hybrids in David Lang so you've answered the question for me.

Where do I find the aberrant thread and do I have to start all over again or can I copy across?

Jeff

[IanS]

I did wonder about common spotted but decided against it!

Interesting plant in any case.
Ian

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by IanS

I did wonder about common spotted but decided against it!
Interesting plant in any case.
Ian

It's the leaf in this shot of the plant that says 'Common Spotted'. (bottom right on the ground).

Dorts.

[IanS]

Yeah I 'spotted' that after I read your post

[the young hunter]

Looks like an abortive Common Spotted to me, plus Fragrant orchids are generally very rare in Shropshire.

Mike.

[jeffnsue]

Thanks Mike, we actually found Fragrant Orchid growing at another site about 4 miles from this one.

Jeff