July 2025

I hesitate to report this, so please forgive me, but the origin of the word orchid is derived from the Greek word (orchis), meaning testicle because of the shape of the double root tubers in some species of the family Orchidaceae. Such is the conflict between propriety and science. These rather rudely named plants can also be the most beautiful. They turn up in the most unlikely of places. One reason for this is that their seeds can be tiny, like dust. They are released after flowering and fly on the wind over long distances. They can, therefore, sometimes be pioneer species that colonise new habitats. An interesting example of this can be found near Dover on the Samphire Hoe nature reserve. This land was reclaimed from the sea using the spoil from digging the channel tunnel opened on May 6th, 1994. On completion, it was, therefore, a pristine chalk slurry plateau with nothing growing on it. However, it soon supported a thriving population of one of the rarest orchids in Britain, namely the early spider orchid (Ophrys sphegodes). This rather inconspicuous plant also grows on the South Downs, below a Late Bronze Age or early Iron Age hillfort, part of a larger system of defensive earthworks occurring from some 4,000 years ago. The hillfort was defended by the occupants stripping off the turf from the slope, exposing a steep chalk slope and forming a fertile terrace at the foot of the hill, thus making it difficult for (Viking? Or French?) invaders to climb the hill. Therefore, it is likely that the tiny seeds of this plant were brought to England on winds from Northern France where it still exists. Maybe, millions of seeds travel in this way, but only those that find patches of exposed chalk will succeed in germinating.

Orchids are a fascinating family of plants, and they are the second largest family of flowering plants in the world. They are also one of the most diverse families, with over 25,000 species worldwide. Orchids can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from tropical rainforests to arctic tundras. They have evolved a wide range of adaptations to survive in different environments, including specialized pollination mechanisms and unique growth forms.

There are about 55 species of orchid native to Britain, and they are among our most beautiful wildflowers, but most of them are very rare and can be very difficult to find. Orchid species variously flower from April to September, but flowering times tend to be short. The early spider orchid is one of our earliest flowering and rarest orchids, occurring at a very few sites in southern England. The flower resembles a crouching spider but is pollinated by male buffish mining bees (Andrena nigroaenea). The orchid emits a perfume mimicking that of a female buffish mining bee. These fumes lure the male of the species to try mating with the (spider-like) flower. During this activity, the pollinia of the flower attach themselves to the bee which transfers the pollen to other early spider orchids when the bee attempts to mate again. The flowers then give way to plump seed pods containing copious powdery seeds that burst out when ripe to colonise new pastures. The plant then withers but remains underground to emerge again during subsequent Aprils. Another orchid that you may see during July and August is the pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and the common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). Also, if looking in August/September you may find autumn lady’s tresses (Spiranthes spiralis).