Gymnadenia conopsea ssp borealis Fragrant Orchid RR DD N
Re-directed to Gymnadenia borealis.
This plant I recognised as a Fragrant Orchid but wasn't even aware there was a sub species borealis until it was pointed out by our excellent leader on this WFS trip in Teesdale. The labellum in this sub species is hardly lobed at all but there are such variations in orchids I doubt I would have paid much attention even if I'd noticed it.
Although this is named ssp borealis there are significant sites in both Hampshire and Cornwall in the south of England. Otherwise most records are from the north of Scotland with other sites dotted about in northern England, southern Scotland, and a few in wales and northern Ireland.
LHS: Bank of River Tees, 21st June 2005 RHS Coast near Achmelvic 18th June 2006
Added on 22nd September 2005, updated 2nd February 2009, updated 2nd April 2010, updated and re-directed 28th May 2012