ORCHIS MORIO
01 September 2001
The Green-Winged orchid (also called the Green-Veined orchid) occurs across Europe and the Mediterranean region although it is no longer as common a plant as it once was, due to the expansion of urban development and, in particular, intensive chemical based agriculture.
The name derives from the green veins, which are often present on the sepals, which flank the lip on both sides. Most plants have purple flowers but some, like those around Swindon, produce pink or vary pale flowers instead.
Within the British Isles this orchid is mainly found in the southern halves of Ireland, England and Wales. It is often associated with limestone-rich eskers and gravel pits. Other associations are with heavy clay pastures, and other undisturbed grassland.
Due to a rapid decline in the species they are protected in certain cases, although still regarded as being quite common in the Swindon area.
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