Hybridization amongst the militaris group of Orchis is by no means an uncommon phenomenon and
particularly with the five more common members ( O. simia, O. purpurea, O. italica, O. anthropophora
and O. militaris ) which can often be found growing together in huge colonies and forming intermediates
of bewildering variety.
The combination featured here is however one of the less frequent hybrids due largely to the fact that
whereas its cousins can tolerate less alkaline soils, O. simia has a preference for strongly calcerious
sub- strata's. As a consequence of this, although Monkey orchid is often to be found in the vicinity
of these other orchids, it's less frequently found within the heart of those large colonies.
In Britain, large concentrations of militaris group orchids dont of course exist and its to some of
the southern regions of France and northern Spain that one has to travel to see these impressive drifts
of Orchis . There is however a notable exception to this observation and it occurs at one of the Chiltern nature reserves that supports the survival of O. simia in this country. Hartslock has been the natural home of Monkey orchid since at least the 19th century but some years ago and without any historical precedent, O. purpurea "appeared" at the site. Its arrival has been the subject of much debate for
years but few really believe it was by natural means ! Whatever the story however, O. purpurea prospered and today a visit to the reserve will yield the two parent Orchis and a host of hybrids.
By continental standards Hartslock does'nt really offer a "vast drift" of orchids but its of great interest
and generates much discussion. There are many who refer to the site as merely a "farm" and advocate the destruction of O. purpurea and its offspring ? We dont.
