[catllar]

I'll have another go at posting this. First attempt told me my file was too large, so I altered it and tried again, only to be told that I'd already posted this topic  (but if so, where the heck is it? ) Anyway.... Any ideas on what this is? Its growing in a bone dry semi-shaded ravine. No leaves, just the flower spikes a) orchid? b) parasitic plant of some kind (cos it has no leaves) Any ideas?

[Hey Jude]

Certainly looks like an orchid flower, but I'm rubbish at these name games and always get it wrong!! but someone very clever will know, no doubt they'll be along soon. Jude.

[mumofstig]

deffo an orchid can't find the exact name yet though 

[Trillium]

You have a Paphiopedilum orchid, commonly known as a slipper orchid.

[catllar]

You have a Paphiopedilum orchid, commonly known as a slipper orchid.

Ooh crickey, do I? Why hasn't it got any leaves, do you know. I looked it up and I thought it was tropical. Is it very precious?

[Trillium]

No, it's not precious but it's nice to have as it will bloom for at least 3 months. sometimes the flowers come out before the leaves do depending on the species.

Here's how to care for it:

http://www.bonsaigardener.org/care-of-slipper-orchids.html

[catllar]

Wow, thanks for that Trillium, it's a shame the thing is growing where it is - you can only see it after a steep and slippery climb down a ravine in the garden and I don't think I should try to move it. I am intrigued to know how it got there in the first place - nature is amazing sometimes, isn't it?

[Puenktchen]

I think this is a native Orchid of France, Paphiopedilum does not grow in France and looks different.

It looks more like a Limodorum abortivum. It grows mainly in southern Europe because it likes it warm.

[catllar]

Puenktchen, I think you've got it! I've had a look at some links to Limodorum abortivum, including some photos and that's exactly it! Thank you (Sorry Trillium )

[savbo]

and no leaves cos it's a symbiont with a fungus so doesn't need to photosynthesise! what a find. And I wouldn't be too sure it isn't a bit precious...

[catllar]

Yes, I had an inkling about the whole parasitic thing because we have several species that do that here, I've got one sort that is symbiotic on wild thyme believe it or not, and neither seem to be any the worse for it. I think it's precious and that's good enough for me!