This species was first described from Lancashire, England in 1918 and as it name suggests it is entirely
an orchid of the sand dune systems of north west England and Wales.
E. dunensis cannot be described as an attractive orchid and the fact that the flowers never fully open contribute to the species overall dullness. The sepals and petals never completely reflex and remain
pointing forward thereby partially shielding the heart shaped epichile . This has no detrimental affect
on the species as its a self pollinator and there is no great imperative for the plant to attract any insect
partners.
The common name for this orchid is unsurprisingly the Dune Helleborine but unlike most of its fellow dune
dwellers , it does not favour the wetter area's of the slacks but rather it tends to grow on the higher and
more stabilised ground amongst willow scrub or pine plantations. Plants growing in open situations can be relatively weedy and yellowish whereas those from shadier area's are sturdier and more colourful
As has already been mentioned, this species is endemic to the north western coastlines of England and Wales although for many years it was thought to have populations in northern continental Europe. This was
subsequently found not to be the case and it now seems certain that reports from more southerly regions
of the continent refer to E. muelleri with which it bears a strong resemblance.
The photograph's here come from Newborough Warren in North Wales and Ainsdale Dunes in Lancashire.
They date from the first week of July
