Showy Orchis -
Orchis spectabilis
In my opinion this is
the most beautiful of our region's orchids. Blooming in April
and May these are always a delight to find in the woods! Bumblebees
are the primary pollinators for this species. As they insert
their heads into the hood packets of pollen adhere to the head,
looking for all the world like horns, so that the next flower
they visit is pollinated. The genus name has been changed to
Galearis, but I think orchis is more appropriate and shall continue
using it.
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