A Lizard Orchid Himantoglossum hircinum has been found on the grass verge next to a busy road in South Reading. It was found on 16 June by botanist Dr Stephanie Bird as she walked to the local supermarket. The orchid is next to the Basingstoke Road. It is partly under a tree, which perhaps is what protected it initially from the Council’s mowing contractors. It is now protected by a wire cage. The Lizard Orchid is a striking plant, with this specimen approximately 60cm tall. According to The Flora of Berkshire (Crawley, 2005), it was last recorded in the county in 1979.
Lizard Orchid 
Lizard Orchid 
Lizard Orchide – side detail
Pictures by Stephanie Bird