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SURREY'S RAREST ORCHID
The Lizard Orchid (Himantoglossum hircinum) is a rare species which is at the northern edge of its range in England. It is found almost exclusively in south-east England, notably in Kent, Surrey and Sussex where it grows on sunny chalk grasslands, sand dunes and in quarries. It is Surrey's rarest orchid and is named for its distinctive flowers, the lower petals of which are long, twisting and greenish-pink, resembling a lizard’s tail. They are also noted for the strong musky smell that they emit, often compared to the smell of goats and which serves to attract specific pollinators. The Lizard Orchid is one of our taller orchids and the flower spike can reach up to 90cm, or about 3 feet. The species was once widespread but changes in land use and habitat destruction have led to a significant decline in its population. It is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and has been the subject of conservation efforts aimed at reintroducing and managing populations in selected sites. |