Plant on Sand Point Somerset

pabs · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 10:55 AM

Been through the book a few times but cannot find this one. Anyone know what it is?

Thanks,
Paul

diggleken · #2 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 11:25 AM

Hi Paul,
maybe autumn ladys tresses?
Not one I know though! If it is, a good find.

Experts?
Cheers
Ken

steve47 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 11:27 AM

It looks like spiranthes spiralis or Autumn Ladies Tresses. It grows near me at Roach Hills near Leeds. Could be Goodyera Repens - Creeping Ladies Tresses. Does the flower spike come from the side of the rosette or through the middle?

pabs · #4 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 11:48 AM

Thanks for the replies. Steve not sure about the flower spike. Looking at the distribution map it looks like only Autumn Ladies Tresses occurs in Somerset. There were quite a few plants on the point.
All the best,
Paul

Dorts · #5 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 11:55 AM

Ken and Steve are right. It is Autumn Ladies Tresses - Spiranthes spiralis, and what a little cracker.
By far the latest orchid to flower and here seen in it's favoured habitat.

Just a note; Creeping Ladies Tresses - Goodyera Repens is a species not found in England, (except for the very north and a corner of Norfolk where it was probably inadvertantly introduced). It's a plant primarily of Scottish Pinewoods, especially in the far N. East.
Dorts.