Orchis x loreziana

Quick Characteristics:

Orchis x loreziana Brügger (Syn. Orchis x hausnechtii) is a natural hybrid of Orchis mascula and Orchis pallens, not uncommon where both species overlap. In stature and early flowering habit these plants are often quite close to the all yellow Orchis pallens, while the pink color is inherited from Orchis mascula. Still, the yellow throat of the flowers is the best trait to identify the hybrid. Photos by Martin Bohnet taken in habitat on the Swabian Jura, southern Germany.