Three species of Fragrant-orchids (Chalk Fragrant-orchid Gymnadenia conopsea, Marsh Fragrant-orchid Gymnadenia densiflora and Heath Fragrant-orchid Gymnadenia borealis) occur in the UK, but until recently they were regarded as merely subspecies or forms. The three are extremely difficult to tell apart, and they are also frequently confused with Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis because of the similarity in colour and flower-shape. In the case of the Pyramidal Orchid, however, the flowerhead is more compact and oval when fully open, whereas the Fragrant-orchids have laxer, narrower and more pointed infloresences. Although locally abundant in some parts of the UK, Fragrant-orchids are in decline due to habitat destruction and the 'improvement' of meadows and pastureland. The habitat in which Fragrant-orchids grow is the key to separating the species from each other: the Chalk Fragrant Orchid grows almost exclusively on calcium-rich sites, and so chalk downland in the south and limestone pastures in the north of Britain and Ireland are good places to look. Chalk Fragrant-orchids are also found in some sand-dune systems and abandoned quarries. Although the flowers are usually various shades of pink, white specimens are also found from time to time. In Europe Fragrant-orchids can be found from Scandinavia in the north to the Mediterranean region in the south, although records do not often distinguish the precise species, merely referring to them as Fragrant-orchids.

Distribution Map		Key Features
	Records for the Chalk Fragrant-orchid from BSBI are shown on the map with most recent in front. (Hover the mouse over the small map to expand it.) CLICK HERE to visit the BSBI website page for updated data and maps with separated data for individual record periods	Plant: 10 to 40cm tall, occasionally to 60cm; stem mostly green becoming purple towards the top. Leaves: 2 mid green with 3 to 5 narrow, keeled and strap-shaped leaves situated at the base of the stem. There are 2 or 3 smaller, narrower bract-like leaves on the upper stem. Bracts: green to purple, small and pointed. Flowers: 20 to 15 held in a lax cylindrical spike and various shades from pink to purple. The upper sepal and petals form a hood over the flower lip, and the lateral sepals are more or less horizontal or drooping slightly. The upper and lower margins of the lateral sepals are rolled backwards. The lip is flat and as wide as it is long; it has three distinct rounded lobes. The flowers have a strong sweet scent.

Image Gallery for Chalk Fragrant-orchid Gymnadenia conopsea