A distinctly lilac/pale purple Early Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. incarnata. Plants producing flowers of this colour occur regularly in some Norfolk colonies.

Flower colour has been used as a key indicator of subspecies and a purple colouration is characteristic of subspecies pulchella. However, those best acquainted with Dactylorhiza incarnata recognise the colour polymorphism that can occur in subspecies incarnata and that does include purple shades.

Past issues of the Journal of the Hardy Orchid Society have presented very detailed discussion on the taxonomy and evolution of these interesting but challenging orchids.

Ref: MN0442

Location: Norfolk