Orchis ×angusticruris

Close-up image of Orchis × angusticruris, the hybrid between the Monkey Orchid Orchis simia and the Lady Orchid Orchis purpurea. This plant was photographed at first light in Oxfordshire capturing the dew, some of which has found its way into the “Lonkey’s” hand.

The authenticity of the hybrids and the origin of the two Lady Orchids have been the subject of an in depth molecular and morphometric study (Bateman et al. 2008 Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 157: 687-711). One interesting conclusion is that the Lady Orchids are more closely related to continental plants rather than British plants growing in their stronghold county of Kent. This has led to speculation as to the means by which plants of this species found their way into the carefully conserved colony of Oxfordshire Monkey Orchids.

Ref: MN0032

Location: Oxfordshire

<em>Orchis</em> ×<em>angusticruris</em>

Close-up image of Orchis × angusticruris, the hybrid between the Monkey Orchid Orchis simia and the Lady Orchid Orchis purpurea. This plant was photographed at first light in Oxfordshire capturing the dew, some of which has found its way into the “Lonkey’s” hand.

The authenticity of the hybrids and the origin of the two Lady Orchids have been the subject of an in depth molecular and morphometric study (Bateman et al. 2008 Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 157: 687-711). One interesting conclusion is that the Lady Orchids are more closely related to continental plants rather than British plants growing in their stronghold county of Kent. This has led to speculation as to the means by which plants of this species found their way into the carefully conserved colony of Oxfordshire Monkey Orchids.

Ref: MN0032

Location: Oxfordshire