Violet bird's nest orchid

We came across this unusual orchid on today's walk. It is an elusive orchid,  a tall plant but, nonetheless, challenging to find because it blends in so well with its surroundings. It is found in coniferous woodland, scrub, and grassy woodland clearings often on rocky terrain. The Violet Limodore is one of those orchids that can disappear for several years during periods of drought or if the vegetation surrounding it becomes too dense, and then it reappears when conditions become more favourable. The leaves are reduced to scales and these are insufficient to support the nutrition of the adult plant through photosynthesis. It is believed to rely on a  parasitic relationship with fungi for its sustenance. Seeds are among the largest produced by orchids and seedlings develop very slowly, remaining entirely below ground for 8–10 years before flowering.
We kept the walk short, just 10 kilometres and only 350 metres of ascent. It was most through woodland which provided welcome shade.