[gertrude]

HI folks,   

We have many Lady orchids (Orchis purpurea) on our land, so are very familiar with them and they are just showing leaves everywhere.  The  orchid in the attached photo is now in flower.  (February 11th 2018)  and has us trying to guess its identification.  From all info we have read its a Giant orchid (Himantoglossum robertianum) BUT its only about 16ms in height.  Could someone let us know what it is.

Janice Thompson,  Italy

[Alisdair]

You've got it right, Jan, definitely Himantoglossum robertianum - a particularly good colour form, as they're often much duller-looking.

[gertrude]

Thanks Alistair,  what confused us  is its height. and it wont get much taller either.  Everything we
read about Himantoglossum robertianum mentioned it being a very tall orchid.
We are lucky to have it as last year it was growing on part of our driveway and Pete dug it up and transplanted it.  Where on earth has it suddenly come from we keep asking ourselves?

Jan