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Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea) and Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis)

At Noar Hill. On the left is a Fragrant Orchid (more properly Common or Chalk Fragrant Orchid to distinguish it from the Marsh Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia densiflora) and Heath Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia borealis), which have recently been given species, as opposed to subspecies, status). In the right conditions (mainly old species rich calcareous grassland) it can be quite abundant. A particular feature is the long nectar spur behind each flower which, together with the scent, attract moths and butterflies, whose probosces are long enough to sip the nectar, and in doing so pick up the pollinia for transferring to other plants.

For a close up of the Frog Orchid on the right, see SU7331 : Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis). Previously Coeloglossum viride, genetic research has now placed the Frog Orchid in the Dactylorhiza genus, alongside the Common Spotted, Heath Spotted and the various Marsh Orchids. Now largely a northern species in the UK, it still also occurs in places on the southern chalk, as here.