Kenfig has about 15 species of wild orchid that flower each year. In some cases, the classification and identity of Kenfig's orchids is complex. The list below is of authentic documented records of species, varieties and hybrids derived from AN ECOLOGICAL FLORA OF KENFIG NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE 2000, an internal report by Peter Jones. English and Welsh names are shown. The abundance at Kenfig has been scored subjectively using the DAFOR scale, (dominant, abundant, frequent, occasional and rare).
Unfortunately, several species are extinct but others are likely to be added. The additions are due in part to changes in taxanomic classification but there are some genuinely new finds following a flurry of interest in Kenfig NNR's orchids. Epipactis helleborine var. youngiana Young's Helleborine is recorded at Kenfig by some authors. Epipactis helleborine subsp. neerlandica has been claimed by several respected specialists and there has been a recent record of Dactylorhiza fuchsii x Gymnadenia conopsea. A small number of the famous Kenfig E. cambrensis of Thomas (1950) appear to have been refound this decade and plants are subject to much debate over their identity. Fragrant Orchids at Kenfig NNR are under scrutiny after a European specialist doubted whether they belong to the sub species densiflora. Samples have been sent to Kew Gardens for DNA analysis with the exiting prospect of a new variety for the UK being confirmed.
Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz Marsh Helleborine. Caldrist y Gors. Frequent.
var. ochroleuca Barla also present.
Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz Broad-leaved Helleborine. Caldrist Llydanddail. Occasional.
Epipactis phyllanthes G.E. Sm. Green-flowered Helleborine. Caldrist Melynwyrdd. Rare.
Listera ovata (L.) R.Br. Common Twayblade. Ceineirian. Frequent.
Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. Autumn Lady's-tresses. Ceineirian Troellog. Frequent.
Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich var. ovata (Riddlesdell). Fen Orchid. Tegeirian y Fign. Occasional.
Herminium monorchis (L.) R.Br. Musk Orchid. Tegeirian Mwsg. Extinct.
Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich. Lesser Butterfly-orchid. Tegeirian Llydanwyrdd Bach. Extinct.
Anacamptis pyramadalis (L.) Rich. Pyramidal Orchid. Tegeirian Bera. Frequent.
Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R.Br. Fragrant Orchid Rare - Locally frequent subspecies densiflora (Wahlenb.) Camus, Bergon & A. Camus.
Coeloglossum viride (L.) Hartman Frog Orchid. Llys Ysgyfarnog. Extinct.
Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo Common Spotted-orchid. Tegeiran Mannog. Frequent.
Dactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soo Early Marsh-orchid. Tegeiran Rhuddgoch. Frequent.
ssp. coccinea (Pugsley) Soo.
ssp. pulchella (Druce) Soo.
ssp. ochroleuca (Boll) P. Hunt & Summerhayes
Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Druce) Soo Southern Marsh-orchid. Tegeiran y Gors. Frequent.
ssp. junialis (Vermeulen) Soo (var. junialis [Vermeulen] Senghas Rare
Dactylorhiza purpurella (Stephenson & T.A. Stephenson) Soo Northern Marsh-orchid Tegeirian y Fign. Rare.
Orchis mascula (L.) L. Early-purple Orchid. Tegeirian Coch. Rare.
Orchis morio L. Green-winged Orchid. Tegeirian y Waun. Occasional.
Ophrys apifera Huds. Bee Orchid. Tegeirian y Gwenyn. Occasional.
Documented Hybrids
Dactylorhiza fuchsii x D. praetermissa (D. x grandis) (Druce) Occassional
Dactylorhiza fuchsii x D. incarnata (D. x kernerorum Soo) Rare
Dactylorhiza incarnata x D. praetermissa (D. x wintonii (A.Camus) P.F. Hunt) Native, frequent?
