It a treat to come on a spot of land where conditions have dictated that nature rather than the work of man will hold sway and then to enjoy the wild flowers which have benefitted from this chance happening, especially those which would otherwise not have survived.
The Green-Veined Orchid, Anacamptis morio, is particular as to where it will grow. It wants ground which has been left to nature – land which has not been “improved”! It will grow happily in open grassland but should that grassland be “improved” by the addition of fertilizer, which the farmer will do to provide good grazing, it will fail and die out.
Occasionally, the lie of the land will dictate that an area is not suitable for grazing and the farmer will not waste fertilizer on such a spot. With this “neglect” the orchid can thrive. I was directed to such a location recently and visited yesterday.
A small stream ran through a small valley which was flanked by limestone cliffs and outcrops. The bottom of the valley was marshland, with a very healthy population of the flag iris and bogbean, and had been fenced off for the safety of the grazing cattle. One side of the valley was contained by the stream on one side and road on the other so animals had no access to it. The contained, undisturbed and unimproved land was home to a large and thriving population of cowslips, Primula veris, and to the Green-Veined Orchis, Anacamptis morio. To see such a thriving colony of cowslip would be a treat in itself but to find a healthy population of the Green-Veined Orchid made it a very special visit indeed. These two plants are regular growing companions and, from a colour combination point of view, they look wonderful together.
At first glance the Green-Veined Orchid might pass for the more commonly seen Early Purple Orchid which is seen in particularly big numbers on The Burren. However, a closer look will show the veining on the hood of each flower. Flower colour can vary from a dark and intense purple, through lighter purple, pink and even to white and the veining really only appears as green on the lighter coloured flowers – green would not stand out at all in the darker coloured forms. The Green-Veined Orchid also lacks the spots one sees on the foliage of the Early Purple. The structure of the flower is also a little different with the upper parts forming a hood or helmet in the Green-Spotted. An examination of these little details is essential to be sure of identification but time taken to look carefully, to enjoy the intricacy of design and colouration, to take in the intrinsic beauty is what makes a day memorable.
A selection of Green-Veined Orchid showing the variation in colour and the veining of the hood.
The lay of the land and the landowner’s concern for the good of his animals have helped preserve this spot of Irish wildflowers. Fortunately, he is conscious of the treasures nature has bestowed and is proud to ensure their future. We could do with many more like him!
Paddy Tobin
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Paddy Tobin, An Irish Gardener 
Such a lovely article to wake up to …
This is a very special habitat and long may it escape disturbance. It is a wonderful time of year for hedgerows and wildflowers … South Wexford was looking good when we left a few days ago!
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We had a special day out yesterday – two locations and two special orchids.
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The gallery of orchids is a wonderful way to demonstrate the natural variations.
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Many thanks! The variation is fabulous and such a joy!
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Great post. I’m a huge Green-Veined Orchid fan! Thumbs up to the landowner!
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Agreed! It was wonderful to see them.
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It comes under the remit of a water tight biodiversity plan to protect and encourage such areas but unfortunately in Ireland this can be violated by the misinterpretation of policies that are not properly adhered to by people that fall short on their duty of care to their job and the environment.
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Well expressed, Martin
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What a lovely bit of land; thank you for sharing photos and description with us. However, now I’m worried: came home from a plant auction the other night with my first Primula veris (as well as a “few”other plants) and hope I can give it what it wants. We’ve had cows and hens so I hope our soil isn’t too ‘improved’ – it is so pretty and I’d love it to be happy! Thank you again for your enjoyable posts.
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Tina, I grow them with ease in my garden. The only drawback is that the cross-breed with primrose – Primula vulgaris – but that leads to many very beautiful and interesting plants for your garden!
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An exquisite journal paddy, many thanks indeed for an eye opener.
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It was a wonderful location and great thrill to see these orchids.
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