Notes on Dactylorhiza sp.

Dactylorhiza sp. from four Finnish localities (from the left: Äänekoski, Hietama, 1988; Inkoo, Krämars, 1988; Lohja, Immula, 1983; Lohja, Muijala 1983). – Image: Harri Harmaja (scanned from dried specimens). – This plant is characterized by its (i) very narrow leaves which are (ii) few in number, and the inflorescence which is (iii) short and (iv) sparse. The leaves have narrow bases and their upper surfaces are faintly to distinctly spotted, rarely unspotted. The margins of the bracts are serrate (sometimes weakly so). The taxon occurs in eutrophic and mesotrophic mires and fens. The following interesting accompanying species were noted in the habitats of three of the depicted plants: Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. incarnata, Drosera intermedia, Huperzia appressa, Juncus stygius (Äänekoski); Carex dioica, C. flava, Dactylorhiza maculata, Eriophorum latifolium, Huperzia appressa, Lycopodium annotinum ssp. alpestre, Trichophorum alpinum, T. cespitosum, etc. (Lohja, Immula); Carex dioica, Eriophorum latifolium, Salix myrtilloides, Tomentypnum nitens, Listera cordata and L. ovata (the two last-named in a more forested portion) (Lohja, Muijala).
    The genus Dactylorhiza Neck. ex Nevski (Orchidaceae) is taxonomically very difficult. The plants in the above image belong to the aggregate of D. maculata (L.) Soó. The characters of the present plant somewhat resemble the descriptions of the poorly known D. elodes (Griseb.) Englmaier and D. ericetorum (E.F.Linton) Averyanov, both of which some authors consider as subspecies or variety of D. maculata. Neither of them has been reported from Finland.