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Britain boasts over 50 species of wild orchids, some relatively
common, others exceedingly rare (above left - Lady's Slipper Orchid), and
all subject to very strict legal protection. While many species prefer
the dry, alkaline conditions of limestone and chalk hills, others can be
found in the densest woods and some even thrive in acid marshes. This talk
aims to encourage the appreciation, understanding and conservation of these
wonderful plants, and to introduce people to the work of the Hardy Orchid
Society.
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One objective is to encourage people to visit many of the nature
reserves, particularly in the southern half of the British Isles, where
abundant orchids may be found. And then, having found them, help is provided
with identification! Photographs of orchid habitats (top right - roadside
verge with Pyramidal Orchids), individual plants and extreme close-ups
(right - Man Orchid) are used to provide a thorough appreciation of the
beauty and subtlety of these marvellous plants.
One fascinating aspect of all orchids is the way their flowers
have evolved to ensure that, in most cases, pollination by a specific insect
is achieved (bottom right - Burnet Moth pollinating Pyramidal Orchid).
From the long spurs of Pyramidal and Butterfly orchids which are designed
with moths in mind, to the shorter, bumblebee-length spurs of the Marsh
Orchids, from the wasp-attracting nectar-cups of many Helleborines, to
the insect mimics in the Bee Orchid family (left), each species has its
own way of seducing an insect to pollinate it. In some cases, robust hybrids
result from cross-pollination between different species (bottom left -
Southern Marsh X Common Spotted hybrids).
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