Dactylorhiza majalis subsp. praetermissa, the southern marsh orchid or leopard marsh orchid, is a commonly occurring species of European orchid. Some authorities consider it a separate species, Dactylorhiza praetermissa.
Description Dactylorhiza majalis subsp. praetermissa grows to tall, with leaves generally unspotted. The flowers, appearing from May to July, are various shades of pink with variable markings. The basal lip of the flower is rounded.First Nature - Dactylorhiza praetermissa
This species is able to form hybrids with other Dactylorhiza species, and crosses with Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. fuchsii occur especially often.First Nature - Dactylorhiza praetermissa
Distribution and habitat It is native to northern and central Europe (Britain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Estonia and Latvia). It is also reportedly naturalized in Italy and in parts of Canada (Ontario and Newfoundland).Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant FamiliesNonis, U. (2012). Presenza di Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Druce) Soó in Carnia e in Cadore (Italia nord-orientale). GIROS Notizie 50: 57-59.
This species is found close to water, in damp calcareous or neutral meadows, fens, by ponds, lakes, or reservoirs, and in dune slacks.
Ecology
The flowers of this species are pollinated by insects including the cuckoo bee and skipper butterfly.Biohorizons - An investigation to determine variation in marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza) populations at Moses Gate Country Park, Bolton
Dactylorhiza are known to be mycorrhizal generalists.New Phytologist - What constrains the distribution of orchid populations? D. m. subsp. praetermissa has been shown to benefit from association with fungal species in the genus Rhizoctonia and others in the Tulasnellaceae family.New Phytologist - Physiology and Ecology of Orchid Mycorrhizal Fungi with Reference to Seedling NutritionPLoS One - Variation in Mycorrhizal Associations with Tulasnelloid Fungi Among Populations of Five Dactylorhiza Species
References
External links
Biohorizons - An investigation to determine variation in marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza) populations at Moses Gate Country Park, Bolton First Nature - Dactylorhiza praetermissa