"An orchid found on Holy Island has been classified as a species in its own right.
DNA analysis has revealed that the Lindisfarne Helleborine is genetically and organically distinct from any other species.
There are thought to be around 300 of the Lindisfarne orchids, or 'epipactis sancta'...
located mainly in the island's western sand dunes. They are found in a defined habitat zone lying between the higher, less stable dune tops and the lower, stabilised dune habitats consisting of dune slacks and willow carr."
DNA experts, in partnership with English Nature, carried out tests on all Britain's orchids over the past 18 months for a new natural history book, Wild Guides: Britain's Orchids.
...
The Lindisfarne orchid can grow up to 60cm tall, although it is usually shorter. The leaves are yellow-green, broad and stiff, and in two rows up the stem. The sepals and petals are yellowish green and the lip whitish green with a green tip. The epichile is broader than long, with a recurved tip, especially as the flower matures. The join between the epichile and the hypochile is narrow. The rostellum is elongated and although a viscidium may be present in some buds and young flowers it is very weak and disappears as the flower matures.
In addition, the surface of the stigma is at right angles to the long axis of the ovary making the pollinia erect with bases touching the stigmatic surface."
source and full news story :
http://www.berwicktoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=970&ArticleID=911785
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