Scientific name: Dactylorhiza fuchsii var. okellyi (Druce) R.M. Bateman & Denholm
Common name: O'Kelly's Orchid
Description
Habit: Plant with divided tapering underground tubers. Stems solid, robust, 15-25cm high.
Leaves: 6-10 cauline leaves, near erect, arching outwards, more or less spotted or unspotted, uppermost 3-5 leaves bract-like, 2-8 times as long as wide, the lowest broadly oval-oblong, obtuse, scarcely keeled, the upper ones narrower, more pointed and keeled, usually not as long as the flowering-spike, usually flat (sometimes hooded) at apex.
Flowers: In a rather dense, usually cylindrical or ovoid spike; flowers usually pure white and unspotted; small, sepals and upper petals nearly equal; labellum flat, spreading, deeply and clearly 3-lobed, about 8-10mm wide; the lateral lobes often crenate, bearing a pointed, conical spur, directed obliquely downwards, somewhat shorter than ovary; ovary cylindrical, twisted, stalkless.
Habitat: Eskers, pavement and quarries.
Distribution: In the West, in Clare and Galway.
Native status: Native
Of conservation interest: Yes
Variation: Plants with flowers with a hint of pale pink can be seen occasionally.