Orchids guide

FSC Orchids guide is a convenient and concise identification guide to 69 species, subspecies and hybrids of orchids. Written by two highly experienced botanists, it includes all the orchids that you are likely to see.

Alluring and mysterious, orchids are superstars of the botanical world. Although some species are famously rare, others are much more common, especially in the south. With a little targetted effort, you should be able to find 5-10 species easily within reasonable distance of your home. Despite their exotic appearance, orchids can pop up in some surprisingly mundane places, from industrial estates to roundabouts.

Beautiful colour illustrations show the key identification features of each plant, including flowers, leaves and stems. Then use the illustrated identification keys to check the main diagnostic characters. Distribution, habitats, statutory Conservation Designations and statutory Rarity Designations are outlined for each species.

Although the scientific names of orchids have changed greatly over time, the names used in this guide are fully up to date. But forms described here as subspecies may appear in other accounts as species or as varieties. Likewise single species here may include two or more species as described by other authors. Two common names have been generated where none existed previously. Hybrids between species occur, sometimes the two species are in different genera. Their features are usually intermediate between their parents.

This key is applicable to Great Britain, the Channel Isles and Ireland. Orchids may have both a Conservation Designation (applying to Great Britain) and a Rarity Designation (applying to Great Britain and the Isle of Man). The Biodiversity Designation applies to Great Britain, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.