A beautifully marked Orchis purpurea blooming along the roadside in Vernegues, France.
In the midst of a large colony of Orchis purpurea. There was a total absence of them in fields that were previously ploughed. However, Orchis purpurea, Himantoglossum robertianum, Ophrys lutea and Ophrys provincialis were present in grassy fields that appeared to receive occasional mowing (probably dependent on when the field was mowed, allowing for undisturbed growth in the early Spring). They were also sometimes present in partially shaded road cuts, if suitable moisture was present.
