Finger?

As promised, some more pictures of those wonderful orchids today.  The Common Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) are, as the name suggests, the most common orchids found in these parts.  The name 'Dactylorhiza' means 'finger root' and is in reference to the way the tuberous root system resembles a hand with the fingers pointing down into the soil.

In most places, these gorgeous plants are found growing individually among the grasses, but in a few spots, they can be seen in groups of three or more flower spikes.  Where this occurs, the flower spikes tend to be much larger than those growing in isolation.  These for instance were the largest we've seen yet.

Just to finish with the orchids for today, I couldn't resist another picture of those delightful Bee Orchids.  What little stunners they are.