Help with an orchid

[Braemoor]

Could someone help me to identify what I assume to an orchid, please? It was photographed in Chartreuse, near Grenoble, near the beginning of July on limestone soil, at an altitude of probably between 1,500 and 2000 metres.



A closeup:

[Dorts]

It's difficult to see detail of individual flowers but the general appearance suggests Short-spurred Fragrant Orchid - Gymnadenia odoratissima var. alba.
Dorts.

[Braemoor]

Thank you, Dorts - I think you're right (did you click on the close-up thumbnail to see the flower shape?).

Following your suggestion, I have compared it with a few other pictures on the web (e.g. http://www.orchidacea-gardes.fr/sauv...oratissima.jpg), and that also has the purplish shades which was putting me off.

[diggleken]

I'd just like to say, well done Dorts - cracking ID - I was at conopsea var alba and deliberating, but I'm sure you've nailed it!
This is the slightly smaller version than that with shorter spurs I gather ..........
Cheers
Ken

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Braemoor

Thank you, Dorts - I think you're right (did you click on the close-up thumbnail to see the flower shape?).

Following your suggestion, I have compared it with a few other pictures on the web (e.g. http://www.orchidacea-gardes.fr/sauv...oratissima.jpg), and that also has the purplish shades which was putting me off.

Yes I did look at the 'close-up' pic. The problem with white flowers is they are difficult to photograph and get good detail.

There is very little else your plant could be other than a Gymnadenia which is a very common European genus. My only concern was the thicker than normal stem, but plants do vary greatly as you move through their range.
I think your plant is a particularly pale form of Gymnadenia odoratissima, a species which is quite common in that area of Europe.
A lovely plant.
Dorts.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by diggleken

I'd just like to say, well done Dorts - cracking ID - I was at conopsea var alba and deliberating, but I'm sure you've nailed it!
This is the slightly smaller version than that with shorter spurs I gather ..........
Cheers
Ken

Thanks Ken. The spurs on all other species of Gymndenia are very prominant, I couldn't see them in evidence on this plant. Also it is a particularly common species in the mountainous regions of France, Switzerland etc.
Dorts.