Photographs: the Burren, Co. Clare

Marsh Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia densiflora (Gymnadenia conopsea subsp. densiflora) Lus taghla corraigh Family: Orchidaceae Flowering time: July-August. Perennial. Native. Very dense spikes of fragrant, clove-scented deep-pink flowers, the spur slightly longer than the ovary. The 3-lobed lip is wider than long, side lobes longer than mid lobe. Lateral sepals appear parallel-sided as upper and lower edges are rolled back, blunt-tipped and held horizontally. Basal leaves are keeled, un-spotted, oblong-lanceolate. Height 30-60cm Prefers damper ground in calcareous grassland and fens, marshes and flushes but shorter plants are also found on limestone pavement Similar: Chalk Fragrant-orchid, Gymnadenia conopsea

Marsh Fragrant Orchid, Gymnadenia densiflora, Lus taghla corraigh