Orchids

Wild Orchid Flowers

All orchids have broadly the same overall flower structure, but a huge diversity of flower colour and morphology exists among different orchid species. This diversity results from the highly specific adaptations to insect pollinators that different orchid species have undergone. Insects are attracted to orchids by the colour and/or scent of the flowers. Insect pollinators interpret these colours and scents as offers of food or, in the case of some species such as the Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera), a mate. When an insect pollinator lands on an orchid flower and attempts to either feed on the flowers nectar or mate with the flower (pseudo-copulation), the flower attaches the pollinia to the insect’s head. When the same insect visits a second orchid flower the pollinia comes in to contact with the stigma, pollinating the flower.

Many orchid species rely on deception through mimicry of insects and the production of chemo-attractant fragrances. These adaptations induce feeding or mating behaviour in insect pollinators. These adaptations are incredibly advanced in the orchids relative to other groups of flowering plants.

Wild Orchid Lifecycle

Orchids reproduce via vegetative multiplication and sexual reproduction. The degree to which different species of orchid are dependent on each of these processes varies widely. Successful orchid seed germination requires the correct conditions to be present. Important environmental factors for orchid seed germination include moisture, oxygen, light and warmth. Orchid seeds also require the presence of mycorrhizal soil fungi for successful germination and growth. Mycorrhizal soil fungi are often present in healthy unimproved and undisturbed soils. Orchid seeds carry no food reserves of their own, the nutrients they require for germination and growth are instead provided by the fungus. The relationship between developing orchids and mycorrhizal fungi is at first parasitic, but as orchids mature their dependence on the fungi decreases. The extent to which the mycorrhizal infection continues after an orchid reaches maturity is species specific. Some orchid species eventually expel the fungus, while others retain it.

Once infected with the mycorrhizal fungus the germinated seed develops in to a tuber. Once the tuber reaches maturity it produces leaves. These leaves feed the developing orchid tuber for several growing seasons until the orchid has stored enough energy to be able to produce flowers. These flowers attract specific insect pollinators to facilitate sexual reproduction and seed production.

Jersey’s Wild Orchid Species

Several Orchid species can be seen flowering in Jersey from late spring through to summer. These include:

Jersey (Loose-Flowered) Orchid Anacamptis laxiflora
The Jersey (or Loose-Flowered) Orchid is a continental species not present on the British mainland. This species is confined to damp grassland habitat, where Southern Marsh, Heath Spotted and Common Spotted orchids can also sometimes be found. It commonly has rich pinkish-purple flowers although white and pink variations are also observed in the wild. Jersey Orchids are easy to identify and distinguish from other orchid species growing in the same area. The flowers are borne on long stalks and are well spaced on open spikes. Flowering period is from May to July. Up to 1m in height.

Green-Winged Orchid Anacamptis morio
The Green-Winged Orchid is the first orchid species to bloom in sandy grassland, although its flowering period eventually overlaps with the slightly shorter early purple orchid. The Green-Winged Orchid gets its name from its 5 green-veined petals. These petals curve forwards forming a hood above each flowers red spotted lip. The overall colour of each plants flowers varies from rich purple to pink or white. Flowering period is from April to June. Up to 40cm in height.

Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis
The Pyramidial Orchid is commonly associated with dry grassland, calcariuos soils, and stabalised sand dunes. Flowers are pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur. As the flowers develop they form a pyramid shaped flower head, hence its name. Flowering period is from June to August. Up to 30cm in height.

Common Spotted-Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii
This species can be found growing in grassland and open woodland habitat on calcareous or neutral soils. Common Spotted-Orchids typically have glossy green leaves with dark spots. Flowers vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pink to purple. The 3 lobes of the lower lip are equal in size. This species can hybridise with Heath Spotted and Southern Marsh Orchids where they occur together, creating individual plants that show intermediate characteristics. Flowering period is from May to August. Up to 60cm in height.

Heath Spotted-Orchid Dactylorhiza maculata
The flowers of Heath Spotted-Orchids are similar to those of Common Spotted-Orchids and can be hard to distinguish. Identifying to species level is made all the more difficult by the fact that this species can hybridise with Common Spotted and Southern Marsh Orchids where they occur together, creating intermediate specimens. Heath Spotted-Orchid flowers are commonly very pale in colour, with darker streaks and spots. The broad lower lip has 3 lobes, the central lobe being smaller than the outer lobes. Like the Common Spotted-Orchid, the leaves are green with darker spots. Flowering period is from May to August. Up to 50cm in height.

Southern Marsh-Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa
The Southern Marsh-Orchid grows in wet meadows and fens, mostly where the soil is calcareous. The flowers are pink to purple in colour with a broad 3 lobed lip. This species is easy to confuse with the Heath Spotted and Common Spotted-Orchids especially where they occur together as all 3 species readily hybridise, creating intermediate specimens. Flowering period is from May to June. Up to 70cm in height.

Early Marsh-Orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata
Early Marsh-Orchids occur in wet meadows, usually on calcareous soils. The flowers are typically pink, although subspecies exist that display a range of colours from creamy-white to reddish-purple. When viewed from the front the flowers of this species look relatively narrow compared to those of other orchid species. Flowering period is from May to June. Up to 60cm in height.

Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera
Bee Orchids occur on dry grassland, mainly where the soil is calcareous. Bee Orchids are pollinated by bees, which are attracted to the flowers visually, as well as by the smell that the flowers emit. Bees are fooled by the flowers of the Bee Orchid (which vaguely resemble bumblebees) and attempt to reproduce with the flower, thus pollinating it. The flowers have pink sepals, green upper petals, and a maroon coloured lower petal with yellow makings. This very rare orchid is restricted to just a few sites in the Channel Islands. Flowering period is from May to July. Up to 30cm in height.

Early Purple Orchid Orchis mascula
Early Purple Orchids typically occur in woodland, grassland and scrub habitats. The flowers are pink to purple in colour with a 3 lobed lower lip. The flowers are also characterised by the presence of a long spur. Flowering period is from April to June. Up to 40cm in height.

Lizard Orchid Himantoglossum hircinum
Lizard Orchids typically occur in scrub, grassland, and dune habitats. The flowers have a green-grey hood with red streaks on the inside. The lip is very long and twisted. The flowers are said to resemble miniature lizards, hence the common name. The second part of the lizard orchid's scientific name (hircinum) means “goat-like”, a reference to the pungent aroma of the flowers. Flowering period is from May to July. Lizard Orchids are relatively tall, reaching up to 1m in height.