Orchids

In the plant world, the orchid family is probably the most specialised, and it is certainly the plant with the most species. In the tropics there are many colourful and spectacular species, while in Denmark and the rest of the Nordic countries we have some more modest species.

Close-up of purple May Wort with grass in the background
Violet May Wort

Danish orchids

All Danish orchids are protected and some are extremely rare. Orchids are adapted to an incredible variety of insect pollination, which probably explains their great diversity. Orchids can be used as an indicator of the quality of a natural area because they have special habitat requirements.