Groovy Dancing Alien Orchid

Obviously the correct common name for this, Fly Orchid seems far too dull.
A rare and remarkable specialist, the flowers resemble flies , which attract just two (in the uk) types of digger wasp, which pollinate  it. The scent released by the flowers mimics the female wasp's pheromones, tricking the males into attempting to mate with them, picking up pollen in the process. When they discover they've not mated they then try another flower.... thus pollinating the orchid.

Lots and lots of tree pruning and general garden maintenance today, a well deserved wild swim wirh Missy later. Then Non Women Non Book Club this evening .. Basically three husbands go to the pub with their dogs because they've been told to get out of the way whilst the all female book club occurs at one of our houses.

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