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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton Environment reporter

‘Holy grail’ ghost orchid rediscovered in UK for the first time since 2009

A ghost orchid, a white flower with small purple dots
The ghost orchid has no leaves and no chlorophyll, and feeds on nutrients from fungi that live underground. Photograph: Richard Bate

Britain’s rarest plant, a “holy grail” orchid, has been rediscovered for the first time since 2009, and scientists are now working to protect it from slugs, deer – and poachers.

The ghost orchid was discovered earlier this month by Richard Bate, a dental surgeon, orchid lover and member of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI).

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