orchid - Early marsh? Heath spotted? something else?

[lucy]

In the Pyrenees I came across what must have been one of the last of this year's orchids, growing in a marshy spot near a lake.  My guide to the area has Heath spotted orchid (D. maculata) as the most likely species to find in wet areas, but I've read the Heath spotted has a "frilled" lower petal, rather than toothed. Looking at the gallery, Lisa's Early marsh orchid looks very similar to mine.  No leaves to help I'm afraid.

[lisa]

Looks like it to me Lucy. Late though isn't it? I've noticed here in a place where the two flower together that the Early marsh will be right in the marsh while the Heath-spotted prefers the edge. But don't go by that!

[lisa]

A couple of other possibilties Lucy. Southern marsh orchid which has the flower lobes splayed rather than pointed backwards. From the photo one of your flowers appear to be pointing back but the others don't  Or, Dactylorhiza majalis?

[lisa]

Out with Teresa yesterday I mentioned your orchid Lucy. She reckons the most likely culprit to be majalis,Broad-leaved or Western marsh orchid. A problem is that it hybidises readily with other species. We need the leaves to help with this one. Do you remember what they were like?

[lucy]

Thanks for your help Lisa, but I can't even remember seeing the leaves!  I never learn - get so hypnotised by the flower and forget that a simple photo of the leaves would make life much easier later.  The only other information I can give is that it was at 2,200m.