Early Purple Orchid
Taken at Port Patrick on April 23rd 2011 using Nikon D40X with Nikon 300 mm lens.
 Fact File
 

Early Purple Orchid.
Species:
Order:
Family:
Habit:
AKA: 		Orchis mascula.
Asparagales.
Orchidaceae.
Perennial herbaceous.
Habitat:
Blooms:
Height:
Feature:
It grows in a variety of habitats, from meadows to mountain pastures and woods, in full sun or shady areas.
50 - 60 cms.
The specific name is derived from the Latin masculus, meaning "male" or "virile" and it should refer to the robust aspect of this species or to the shape of the tubers, similar to male genitalia.