Habitat
Poor grassland and meadows, open woods and scrubland, occasionally damp
meadows. On lime-rich, fairly dry soils.
Geographical spread
In Britain confined to a few sites in Kent, Sussex and Buckinghamshire.
Also found in parts of Europe, in Spain, Mallorca and European Turkey.
Size
20-45cm.
Status
Listed in the Red Data book and is very rare in Britatin.
Coloration and looks
Lobes are rose, red or reddish violet, with central part of lip paler, often
white with reddish spots.
Normal lifehistory
Flowers from May to June. The flowers have a slight vanilla scent and
insects are attracted to the plant by nectar which is secreted. In Europe the Military orchid is
visited by bees. This species does not seed very well.
File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996