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Country diary: Why are orchids so mysterious and coveted? It all starts underground
Hogshaw, Derbyshire: We’re up to 27 spotted orchids in our garden, and every one is a miracle
TL;DR
- The author's 'no mow' garden revealed spotted orchids, a common but exciting find.
- Orchids rely on mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi for survival.
- Orchid seeds lack food reserves and require fungi to infect them and provide nutrients.
- The underground development of orchids, involving fungi and root structures, can take years before a shoot appears.
- This prolonged hidden life contributes to the orchid's reputation for mystery.