Wild orchids excite people. They are exotic, strange, delicate and beautiful. And beneath their intriguing appearance is an equally fascinating biology – many species have developed intimate relationships with fungi to grow and germinate and they have evolved bizarre adaptations to ensure pollination. Above all, it is their rarity that has impassioned botanists and plant lovers for centuries. The two counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are home to 36 of the 56 native species found in Britain and Ireland, making it one of the best areas in the country to find wild orchids. This Guide helps to identify the 36 species and focuses on their most distinctive features. Each species is beautifully photographed, while the text provides key characteristics and habitat information. It also includes where the orchids in this Guide can be found.