Pyramidal Orchid

Description:

An attractive looking orchid with dense spikes of pink or pale purple flowers, each with a long spur. The plant gets its name from the conical, or pyramid-shaped arrangement of these flowers. The flowers have no scent. The narrow, unspotted leaves which sheath the flower stem are shaped like the keel of a boat.

Habitat:

Found on chalky or limestone grassland. Sometimes in sand dunes. They can be found in old chalk pits, new chalky roadside verges, and on chalk downland where rabbits have disturbed the ground.

Notes:

The name 'pyramidal' comes from the shape of the young infloresence of this plant. Once the flower is fully developed it becomes cylindrical or egg-shaped, which can sometimes cause confusion