Monkey Orchid

DESCRIPTION: Height up to 130cm. An eye-catching orchid that lives up to its name with individual flowers having a somewhat primate appearance. The stem arises from a basal rosette of 4 blunt, glossy leaves where one will also find 2 or 3 sheathing leaves. The pyramidal to elongated spike of flowers opens from the top downwards an unusual style of flowering amongst this family. Each flower has a vanilla essence with a pale spur at the back. The hood is spreading and white in colour with a purplish tinge. The lip has four, forward pointing narrow lobes all tinged with purple and making up the general 'monkey' appearance. DISTRIBUTION: Strictly south-easterly and a few selected sites. HABITAT: Chalky, well-drained south facing slopes. FLOWERING TIME: Late May to Early June.