Autumn Ladies Tresses
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Spiranthes Spiralis
Scarce & localized in Britain.
Each flower is subtended by a pale green, lanceolate bract.
This shelters the base of the flower, tapers, bends toward the tip, has white edges and scattered glandular hairs at the base.
They are usually 9–13 mm (0.35–0.51 in) long and 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) wide.
The flowers are very small, ± ½ cm (0.2 in), white, and spread a fragrance that is said to by reminiscent of lily of the valley, vanilla or almonds.
The flowers produce nectar unlike in many other orchids. The flower has no spur.
Flowers from August-October.