131215 LESSER BUTTERFLY-ORCHID Platanthera bifolia (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive orchid of undisturbed grassland, moors and open woodland, on a wide range of soil types. FLOWERS are greenish white with a long, narrow lip, a long spur (25-30mm) and pollen sacs that are parallel; borne in open spikes (May-Jul). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES comprise a pair of large oval leaves at the base and much smaller scale-like leaves up the stem. STATUS-Widespread but local.
