Photographs: Mizen Head, Co. Cork

Irish Marsh Orchid (var. kerryensis) Dactylorhiza kerryensis var. kerryensis Magairlín gaelach Family: Orchidaceae Previously Dactylorhiza occidentalis var. kerryensis Flowering May-July. Tuberous perennial. Native Dactylorhiza kerryensis var. kerryensis has pale pink-purplish flowers and un-spotted leaves. It is the less frequent and anthocyanin-poor variety of Irish Marsh Orchid, Dactylorhiza kerryensis. Identified by Ian Denholm Dactylorhiza kerryensis var. occidentalis is the more frequent variety with darker flowers and (usually) spotted leaves.

Irish Marsh Orchid, Dactylorhiza kerryensis var. kerryensis