Orchids of UK/Ireland 2: It's fair to say Dense-flowered Orchid, Neotinea maculata, isn't exactly a looker! Tiny, bland, a little ugly even 😎 However, it is quite rare, or at least very restricted in its occurrence here. Much more common in the Mediterranean, it is restricted to west and north west Ireland, both Northern and the Republic, where it likes short limestone grasslands. The flowering period is very short, as it self-pollinates as soon as the flowers open. #orchid #ireland