This is a member of the 23 strong O. mascula group and one of just four that is a colour other than the usual early
purple pink. First described from Switzerland in 1771, this orchid was for many years known as O. sulphurea
which was an entirely appropriate name, given that its colour has a much more sulphurous tone to it than the
other two yellow mascula's. ( O. pauciflora and O. provincialis ) "pallens" simply means pale and this seems
to somewhat understate the attractive appearance of the plant.
This orchid is largely, though not quite exclusively a montane species and may be found growing up to around
2500m on predominently calcareous soils and more often than not in light shade at woodland edges, either deciduous
or coniferous. O. pallens does not produce nectar but is pollinated by bee's who confuse it with their preferred provider, the pea lathyrus vernus.
In terms of identification, it can be readily distinguished from O. pauciflora and O. provincialis by virtue of the
total lack of any lip markings. A further key characteristic is the leaves, which are large, shiny and form a low
spreading rosette. Another orchid to which it shows a close resemblance is Dachtylorhiza sambucina and there
has been significant study in recent years to establish the relationship between the two species. Results to date
suggest that there is no scientific link despite some obvious superficial similarities in form.
The range of O. Pallens is sizable and encompasses all the significant mountain ranges of Europe but it is nowhere common and in many area's extremely rare.
The illustrations were all taken in the Vercors in the last week of May 2010.
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