The Lincolnshire Bird Club

This ones for orchidophiles only!

Green-flowered Helleborine was found growing at Whisby Nature Reserve last year, the only place in Lincs where it currently grows. There is/are record(s) from Hartsholme CP just down the road but it's not known if it still occurs there. After seeking advice we were told that it would be okay to show to members of the public.

Apologies for the very late details, but if anyone would like to see this orchid I am planning 2 trips this Saturday 22nd July at 10.00am and 2.00pm if there is a demand. Numbers are resticted to 8 per visit on a first come first served basis. Please contact me on my work mobile only on 07909 925421 between the hours of 9.30am and 5.00pm on Thursday or Friday if you would like to reserve a space. If voice mail kicks in please leave your name and number and I'll call back asap. There are 4 plants which allow photographic opportunities but be warned the very hot weather of the last few days has scorched them a little. There will also be the opportunity to see/photo/compare Broad-leaved Helleborine which came into flower today. £2.00 donation per person please.

It's still uncertain which variety they belong to, but most (but not all) show characteristics of degenera. Be warned though! As orchids go this is a very unassuming species!!! Don't expect something bold and brightly coloured. Students of identification would be advised to read Orchids of Britain and Ireland by A+S Harrop.

Again, apologies for the rather late posting of details.

Thanks

Grahame Hopwood
Assistant Warden

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Grahame

Of more interest, to me is the Broad-leaved Helleborine photographed with the Green-flowered by Colin Jennings. The B L shows characters of var viridiflora a rare variant which lacks anthocyanin. Is it still available and is there access ?

Cheers

Mark

Hello Mark

It's funny how you take things for granted! I pass these orchids several times a week and never really stop to have a good look!

To answer your questions in reverse yes the B-l H's are accessable, details from the wardens' office (NOT the visitor centre!) on 01522 500676 or you could try my work mobile (07909 925421) but we are currently changing networks which may cause disruption over the next couple of days. No, I dont know if this particular plant is still available but will look tomorrow and report back.

Regards

Grahame

Mark

Had a look at the B-l H's today. The plant Colin photographed has now gone over but an adjacent plant has the upper flowers with a white lip (no red or purple) but the lower flowers on the same plant have a delicate pink tone to the lip. Sev other plants have yet to flower but this severe heat wave means plants only stay in flower for a few days before becoming somewhat deshevelled.

Very pallid individuals or var viridiflora? Comments welcome.

Regards

Grahame

Grahame

Thanks for that, next year !

The key to viridiflora isn't simply the pallid colouration however, the clincher is the green hypochile ( brown/red in normal helleborine ), this is clearly visible in Colin's photos.

Cheers

Mark