MICROSPERMEi© 291 



A few of the Orchids, such as Vanilla, are of 

 economic importance. Salep is derived from Orchis. 

 They are, however, more noted for their suitability 

 as cultivated plants. 



Four groups have been made by Hooker : Epipen- 

 dreae, e, g. Malaxis, Neottieae, e.g. Listera, Ophrydeae, 

 e.g. Orchis, Cypripedieae, e.g. Cypripedium. 



Bog Orchid {Malaxis paludosa). 



Formerly, before the whole country was subjected 

 to drainage and cultivation, there were many areas 

 where the Bog Orchid could be found where to-day 

 it is absent. Unfortunately this applies to the 

 majority of Orchids. 



In the first scientific name the softness of the 

 plant is indicated. The English and Latin specific 

 names refer to the habitat. 



Found in all parts of the British Isles, the Bog 

 Orchid is now rare, and in Ireland is local. In the 

 north of England it is found at an altitude of 1500 ft. 

 Probably its small size and habit of growth have 

 assisted in preserving it from the collector, so that 

 it is overlooked. 



Wet spongy Sphagnum bogs, swamps, form its 

 habitat. It is found on sandy soil in the wet heath 

 association with Beak Sedge, Cotton-grass, Sundew, 

 Butterwort, Heaths, Sweet Gale, Gentians, etc. It 

 occurs also in valley moors on Sphagnum moors in 

 the New Forest area, with Bog Asphodel, etc. 



