ape orchid

A terrestrial orchid up to 30cm tall with 3-4 basal, oblong to oval leaves. Compact clusters of flowers opening from the top downwards are held on upright stems in late spring to early summer. Each flower comprises 3 sepals which form a greyish-white hood flecked with pink and below this, a flower lip with a monkey-like appearance: a narrow white 'body' with short, pinkish-purple hairs and curved, pink 'arms' and 'legs' with a short 'tail' between the legs