This handsome orchid was first described from France in 1753 and its name refers to the scent of the flower which is apparently reminiscent of goats ! 

H. hircinum is a widespread species which although unaccountably absent or rare in certain areas can equally be locally abundant in its favoured locations. Its distribution is largely centred on western Europe, reaching southern England in the north and north Africa (rarely) in the south. H. hircinum is a large orchid that can exceed 100 cms in height and is difficult to confuse with any other species, except where its range overlaps with other similar group members such as H. caprinum and H. adriaticum. In 2013 a variety was recognized by Kreutz and Steinfeld which although morphologically indistinguishable, flowers at least a month later and has accordingly been named H. hircinum var. aestivalis. They both grow in full sun on alkaline soils and favour sand dunes, short grassland and sunny banks. As can be seen from the photos they can vary somewhat in colouration but their stature and characteristic form make them an easily identified orchid .

Its common name has always been the Lizard Orchid, a reference to the flower with its lizard like legs and tail. The species has gained a reputation for appearing and disappearing without obvious environmental reason and this is particularly the case at the extremities of its range such as in southern England. In general terms however it is beginning to occur more frequently in Britain and there are now several well established populations.

The pictures here all come from the Gargano Peninsula in Italy and date from the first week of May.