Anja Murray: Ireland is home to 31 species of wild orchid — including one found nowhere else in the world

A poem from 1735 describes how a brew made from the roots of the early purple orchid, drunk with goats milk "excites sexual desire, aids conception, and strengthens the genitals”

Ophrys apifera, known as the bee orchid

A mention of orchids sparks images of elaborately beautiful tropical flowers. It often surprises people to discover that Ireland is home to 31 different species of wild orchid, some common and some exceedingly rare. One species, the western marsh orchid, is unique to this island, which means that it is found nowhere else in the world.

Many of our native wild orchids are in flower and easy to observe during the summer months.