THE word orchid comes from a Greek word meaning a testicle. The underground tubers of some species are in fact shaped like a human testicle.

This is true of the early purple orchid which is common in Britain. Its scientific name is Orchids masculata.

The latter name means spotted and this certainly applies to the leaves. It grows really well among the bluebells in May and June.

The pyramidal orchid is becoming more and more common whilst the bee orchid grows well in limestone areas around Clitheroe.

In some damper areas the Marsh Orchid grows well.

Orchids are not all rare but they are certainly beautiful additions to our local countryside.