Orchids in the Claise Valley

Here is a selection of orchids that are flowering now in the Claise Valley. These photos were all taken at Chaumussay or Boussay on Saturday 7 May.

Narrow-leaved Helleborine Cephalanthera longifolia (Fr. Céphalanthère à feuilles étroites), earlier flowering than the very similar White Helleborine C. damasonium.

The rather uncommon Hybrid Man x Monkey Orchid Orchis x bergonii.

Man Orchid Orchis anthropophora (Fr. Homme-pendu), growing in the ditch very close to the hybrid.

Early Spider Orchid Ophrys sphegodes (Fr. Ophrys araignée), flowering later than usual this year.

Fly Orchid Ophrys insectifera (Fr. Ophrys mouche), looking, as ever, like Churchill in his velour onesie.

Military Orchid Orchis militaris (Fr. Orchis guerrier), one of our rarest orchids, although it is a bit more abundant in other areas of France.

I think this is probably a hybrid Lady x Military Orchid Orchis purpurea x militaris.

A horde of Monkey Orchids Orchis simia (Fr. Orchis singe).

Greater Butterfly Orchid Platanthera chlorantha (Fr. platanthère à fleurs verdâtres).

Monkey x Lady Orchid hybrid Orchis x angusticruris.

Hypochromatic (lacking pigment) Monkey Orchid Orchis simia (Fr. Orchis singe).