Broad-leaved Helleborine

Broad-Leaved Helleborine, Epipactis helleborine, on Keston Common.  14 July 2011.

Once again, I am pulling out some old photos that are worth a look.

This is an orchid that likes woodland edges, a habitat where several interesting plants like to grow.  There are more woodland edges than you might think, when you include the sides of paths and clearings. 

Broad-Leaved Helleborine, Epipactis helleborine, with two Seven-Spot Ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata.
Blackbush Shaw, Cudham, 19 November 2011.

The first photo shows part of the flower spike in full bloom, right by the roadside on Keston Common.  It's part of a very small group, and I am always concerned that this one will get trampled by passers-by!  The second shot, from much later in the year, is from Blackbush Shaw, where there are many plants in a hedgerow beside a path.