Photograph by James Duncan
Northern Marsh Orchid.Loch Lomond National Park.
The gorgeous northern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) is very recognisable, bringing splashes of bright purple to the rich green grassland. It’s not the tallest orchid, growing up to around 25cm, with broad green leaves at the base. Its diamond-shaped petals are violet, with darker line markings. The flowers, as with many orchids, form spikes at the top of a long stem. Up to 80 flowers can grow on just one stem!
Northern marsh orchids are best admired in early summer, when they flower during the milder weather in coastal places. They’re a big feature of the Hebridean machair, and it’s lovely to see them.