Orchis ustulata - Burnt Orchid

The Burnt Orchid is now very rare in the UK but still flourishes in parts of France and other European countries. It varies between 10 and 50 cm in height, and its name comes from the dark-coloured unopened buds and the hood giving the tip of the flower spike a burnt appearance. The flowers, which can number up to 80 per spike, are slightly scented.

Orchis ustulata occurs most commonly in short grassland on alkaline soils often at high altitudes.

This specimen was photographed in the Lot Valley, southern France, in late May.