# 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.

- **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.

## About

Dactylorhiza praetermissa , the southern marsh orchid or leopard marsh orchid , is a commonly occurring species of European orchid.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/648276c5-a4f6-47d1-9d4f-61b2cfda65a9
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/62002
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dactylorhiza praetermissa
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/75229162/medium.jpg (Lyn and Alan Goodkin, CC0, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.