Photographs: Co. Cork and Co. Limerick

Irish Marsh-orchid (Western Marsh-orchid) Dactylorhiza kerryensis (Dactylorhiza occidentalis) Magairlín gaelach Family: Orchidaceae Flowering time: May-July. Tuberous perennial. Native. Very variable. Deep red-purple to pinkish-purple flowers in dense flower spikes with spreading side sepals and a broad 3-lobed lip with a narrow, pointed mid-lobe. The lip is strongly marked with crimson dots and streaks. Robust, stocky growth habit, the broad, spreading leaves usually with purple blotches and/or spots. D. kerryensis var. kerryensis has paler flowers and unmarked leaves. Endemic to Ireland in damp calcareous grassland, fens, marshes and dune slacks and on roadsides.

Irish Marsh-orchid, Dactylorhiza kerryensis, Magairlín gaelach