Mystery of bee orchid in university garden

Jun 11 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

Bee orchid at University of Liverpool with lecturer Meriel Jones _320

AN ORCHID rarely seen in the North has sprung into life at the heart of Liverpool University.

A Bee Orchid, commonly known because its flower looks like a female bee, has been discovered in a patch of grass at the University of Liverpool.

While the orchid itself is not rare, its distribution is usually confined to the Mediterranean and warmer climates.

But now it has been spotted, academics at the university are keen to try and obtain a genetic profile of the plant – a feat which has never been attempted before on this variety of orchid.

Senior lecturer in genetics, plant science and marine life Meriel Jones said the orchid was a fascinating discovery.

She said: “We spotted it right outside our front door and couldn’t believe it was there.

“Orchids are fascinating plants because they root underground for a number of years.

“The Genetic Society has agreed to fund a summer studentship for one of our undergraduates, who will try and obtain DNA from the plant.

“This will then help to find out where it came from.”