18 different species of orchids have been reported from Skye (plus numerous hybrids)

Cephalanthera longifolia (Narrow-leaved Helleborine) a rare plant of limestone Epipactis atrorubens (Dark-red Helleborine) a rare plant of limestone Epipactis helleborine (Broad Helleborine) a rare plant of limestone Neottia nidus-avis (Bird's-nest Orchid) a very rare plant of limestone Neottia ovata (Common Twayblade) fairly common on limestone Neottia cordata (Lesser Twayblade) widespread, but not easy to find - a moorland plant Hammarbya paludosa (Bog Orchid) rare and difficult to find Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly Orchid) fairly common Platanthera bifolia (Lesser Butterfly Orchid) common Pseudorchis albida (Small White Orchid) rare Gymnadenia borealis (Heath Fragrant Orchid) fairly common Dactylorhiza viride (Frog Orchid) a rare plant of limestone Dactylorhyza fuchsii (Common Spotted Orchid) common Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath Spotted Orchid) a very common moorland plant Dactylorhiza incarnata (Early Marsh Orchid) common in wet, peaty ground Dactylorhiza purpurella (Northern Marsh Orchid) common Dactylorhiza traunsteinerioides (Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid) rare Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid) common

Pseudorchis albida (Small White Orchid)

Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid)

Dactylorhiza incarnata (Early Marsh Orchid)

Dactylorhiza maculate (Heath Spotted Orchid)

Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly Orchid)

Gymnadenia borealis (Heath Fragrant Orchid)

Dactylorhiza traunsteinerioides formerly D. lapponica (Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid)

Dactylorhiza purpurella (Northern Marsh Orchid)

Dactylorhiza purpurella (Northern Marsh Orchid)

Platanthera bifolia (Lesser Butterfly Orchid)

Platanthera bifolia (Lesser Butterfly Orchid)

Neottia ovata (Common Twayblade)

Dactylorhiza viride (Frog Orchid)

Epipactis atrorubens (Dark Red Helleborine)

Epipactis atrorubens (Dark Red Helleborine)

Useful links:

West Highland Flora