| Spiranthes spiralis | Orchidaceae | Autumn Lady's Tresses |
Description - Our smallest Orchid, which only reaches c. 14cm and is often much shorter. The minute white flowers are arranged in a spiral around the stem, and are faintly scented. As it's name suggests it is only seen from late August to October.
Habitat - Found in short turf, such as lawns, churchyards etc. Like the other Orchids, it is very sensitive to artificial chemicals, so will not grow where these have been used.
Comments - Not common, but may be overlooked as it is very small. Also, it can be mowed before being noticed. It is often reported at a new site when some-one has neglected to mow their lawn for some reason and it pops up to their surprise!
Click on the photo for a larger image
| La Société Guernesiaise | Guernsey Biological Records Centre | Botany Section | Species list | Previous Species | Next Species |