IT is perhaps surprising to realize that in Britain, there are more than 50 species of wild orchid, many of which are rare, and there are probably many more awaiting discovery in remote locations.
One of the most fascinating is the little bee orchid (pictured) which grows on both chalk and limestone soils among a range of grasses. Sometimes the orchid is extremely common whereas in other years it may not appear at all.
Nature Notes: Swallows make great parents
The bee orchid is so called because it looks remarkably like a furry bumble bee. Indeed, so lifelike is it that a wandering male bee sees it, alights on it and attempts to mate with it! However, after a few seconds and finding a lack of response and feeling very disappointed, the bee flies off to try his luck elsewhere. But by that time his head is covered in pollen which he transfers to his next equally unresponsive 'conquest' and so the crafty ruse has worked.
So, the poor male bee may try to couple with many orchids, all to no avail, but in doing so he unknowingly pollinates many more of these dainty little plants.
If there are no bees around, the orchid has another trick up its leaves - it has the ability to pollinate itself.
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