Rare orchid flourishes in Charles Darwin’s gardens after two-year project

Down House, Kent, whose gardens have been described as the outdoor laboratory of the On the Origin of Species author. Photograph: English Heritage

A rare orchid that reproduces by getting wasps drunk is thriving in the gardens of Charles Darwin’s house after a two-year restoration programme.

The violet helleborine is entirely pollinated by wasps, which are usually not perceived to be the best pollinators. They’re regimented and meticulously clean themselves, scientists say, which makes the process of pollination a fairly futile prospect – there’s nothing for the pollen to cling to.