The Bee Orchid

Grows normally on chalk grassland areas, particularly in southern England. It usually grows up to 40-50 cm (18 inches) but locally it is dwarfed to about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Flowering is usually in mid June and there are one to seven flowers on each stem.

Because of its resemblance to the bee, insects are encouraged to try to mate with it, but this only happens in the Mediterranean regions. In Britain insects rarely visit the flowers, so they are self pollinating.

Locally there is an area which lies just outside Pegsdon on the Barton Hills where the bee orchid grows. It is a secret place and well guarded.