Page 11 - Wildlife News August 2017
P. 11
Species spotlight
Autumn Lady’s-tresses
At a time of year when most orchids are finished and 2017 WHEN TO LOOK Autumn lady’s-tresses flower from mid-August
setting seed, autumn lady’s-tresses are only getting to September. At a casual glance they are easily mistaken for grass
started. This late summer flowering orchid produces flower heads, so look closely.
delicate, 7–15cm-tall spires of crisp-white, bell-shaped WHERE TO LOOK Greenham and Crookham Commons is a
flowers that spiral up the stem. Take a closer look to local bastion for this wild flower, more usually found in chalk
appreciate the almost crystalline petals and the green grasslands. This is the largest population in southern Britain so you
marking on their lower lip. From late afternoon the tiny may be lucky enough to see thousands of flower spires at once.
flowers waft a soft, coconut fragrance. Joining a guided orchid walk is a great way to learn more about
them: bbowt.org.uk/whats-on
CONSERVATION STATUS Not currently threatened (CITES)
(PETER CREED)
Wildlife news / August 2017 11
