Introduction

Abstract

There is still a great deal of controversy among experts about the taxonomic status of some of our orchids; in view of their variability and their lengthy life cycle (which makes practical experiments extremely difficult) this is understandable. It is particularly marked in the genus Dactylorhiza (Spotted- and Marsh-orchids) where almost any view on what does or does not constitute a valid species or subspecies can be upheld by one authority or another. In such a situation, all the non-expert can do is assess the various arguments and make his own choice; this is the approach adopted in this book. It should be mentioned that Sundermann’s second edition (p. 141) was published too recently for notice to be taken of it, even in the ‘Other names’ section.