THE WILD ORCHID 



semblance other animals, as a means of protection 

 from their enemies and as a disguise from their 

 prey ; and conversely in the plant world we have 

 numerous examples of plants that behave like, and 

 mimic, animals, and in no group of plants is this 

 feature more conspicuous than amongst the Orchid 

 family. Even amongst British species we have 

 the butterfly orchis, the bee orchis, the fly orchis, 

 the spider orchis, the lizard orchis, the frog orchis, 

 and others, all of which names have arisen from 

 the fact of the flowers of these species suggesting a 

 likeness to the different creatures. Sometimes the 

 resemblance is fanciful, but, on the other hand, it 

 is sometimes striking and difficult to explain, as 

 in the case of the bee and the fly orchis. 



Therefore, I contend it is not at all extra- 

 ordinary that the leaves of the spotted orchis 

 should bear a superficial resemblance to a reptile, 

 especially as such a feature would assist in the 

 preservation of the species. Indeed, I am inclined 

 to think that my suggestion may provide some 

 explanation of the spotted leaves of some other 

 plants, when considered in relation to their 

 natural environment ; although the subject needs 

 further investigation. 



As I have endeavoured to show, both the roots 

 and leaves of the spotted orchis exhibit highly 

 advanced devices which doubtless prove of great 

 value in the plant's economy. It is in its floral 

 structures, however, that the complex speciahsation 

 of this weed of the country side culminates. The 

 flowers of orchids show such marvellous adaptation 



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