Southern Marsh-orchid
Dactylorhiza praetermissa
This species is a 'deceptive' orchid; it produces no nectar, instead tricking bees into pollinating it by mimicking the appearance of other nectar-rich flowers.
- Scientific name
- Dactylorhiza praetermissa
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Liliopsida › Asparagales › Orchidaceae › Dactylorhiza
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Damp alkaline to neutral meadows, marshes, fens, and dune slacks.
- Diet
- Photosynthetic autotroph; requires specific mycorrhizal fungi for seed germination and nutrient uptake.
- Range
- United Kingdom, France, Benelux countries, Denmark, Germany
- Size
- 30 to 70 cm in height
- Lifespan
- Perennial (10-20+ years)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss through land drainage, agricultural intensification, and lack of traditional meadow management.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. These orchids are delicate; please stay on designated boardwalks or paths to avoid crushing the plants or compacting the damp soil. Do not pick the flowers, as many orchid species are legally protected and rely on seed dispersal for survival. If touched, no medical action is required.
Dactylorhiza praetermissa , the southern marsh orchid or leopard marsh orchid , is a commonly occurring species of European orchid.
Photo: Lyn and Alan Goodkin, CC0, via iNaturalist
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