End of April Orchid Update

By the end of April there were at least 6 orchid species flowering in the Claise Valley, including two in our orchard.

Not flowering yet, but it won't be long for this Twayblade Listera ovata (Double-feuille in French) at Boussay.

A group of Early Spider Orchids Ophrys sphegodes (Ophrys araignée in French) under the cherry trees in our orchard.

The Monkey Orchids Orchis simia (Orchis singe in French) are just coming into flower on the roadsides around Boussay and Humeau.

As are the Narrow-leaved Helleborines Cephalanthera longifolia (Céphalanthère à longues feuilles in French) at Boussay.

This group of Lady Orchids Orchis purpurea (Orchis pourpre in French) growing in the semi-shade is visible by peering over the château wall at Boussay. We've got them growing in our orchard too, but you can also see them on roadside banks near Preuilly.

The impossibly discreet little Fly Orchids Ophrys insectifera (Ophrys mouche in French), with flowers like tiny purple velvet pyjama suits, hidden in the grass at Boussay.

This colony of Early Purple Orchids Orchis mascula (Orchis mâle in French) on the roadside at Humeau is always very variable in colour, ranging from magenta to white, and many of the plants have unspotted leaves.

An almost chlorophyll free root parasite, theViolet Limodore Limodorum abortivum (Limodore à feuilles avortées in French) pushing up through the soil near le Grand Pressigny like a sombre asparagus spear. (Thanks to Tim for the tip-off about this site.)

Susan