Photographs: the Burren, Co. Clare

Chalk Fragrant-orchid Gymnadenia conopsea s.s. Lus taghla Family: Orchidaceae Flowering early June - mid July. Perennial. Native Spikes of sweet-scented pink-purple flowers, the spikes becoming looser as more flowers open. The lip is 3-lobed with central lobe equal or longer in length. Lateral sepals are linear, pointed at tip and deflexed with upper and lower margins rolled back. Long, narrow un-spotted basal leaves with small, bract-like leaves on stem. Height 20-40cm Found in western, central and north-west Ireland on dry limestone grassland, limestone pavements and in quarries. Similar: Marsh Fragrant Orchid and Heath Fragrant-orchid, G. borealis

Chalk Fragrant-orchid, Gymnadenia conopsea s.s, Lus taghla