The Shrek orchid: Rare flower looks exactly like green-skinned ogre

This extraordinary flower is almost identical to children's cartoon character Shrek - with its green 'skin', horns and brown waistcoat.

The rare orchid looks as if it is giving a huge grin with outstretched arms, just like the misanthropic ogre who reveals a secret soft side in the beloved film series.

The flower, called Ophrys Apifera or bee orchid, was pictured in Spain by British photographer David Chapman.

The university lecturer from Cornwall caught sight of the remarkable flower while out walking through the Pyrenees.

The 48-year-old, who is also a wildlife photographer and writer, spotted the orchid in a book years ago and had been hoping to see one for real ever since.

'This is a very special species of flower, I remember having seen them in my wildflower guidebooks and longed to see one in the flesh,' he said.

'When I first saw one I was amazed by how clever their mimicry is and how beautiful the flowers are.

'Despite the bee orchid being very colourful it is extremely difficult to spot because it is tall and thin and grows amongst tall grasses.'

David has also snapped the orchids in the UK - although they are harder to find here.

He said: 'The quirkiest location I have photographed them is on a roundabout on the A30 near Hayle in Cornwall.

'It is thought that they grow there because their seeds were imported when soil was brought in to make the road embankments.

'I've never found bee orchids in the UK without prior knowledge, as they are quite rare - but I have found them on the north coast of Spain.'

The flower gets its name from its resemblance to a bumblebee, which is thought to entice insects to land on it and transfer its pollen to other plants.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2597390/The-Shrek-orchid-Rare-flower-looks-exactly-like-green-skinned-ogre-wearing-waistcoat.html#ixzz2yEHaElTZ 

Flowers blooming as Thriplow Village gets ready for annual Daffodil Festival

Flower lovers need not wander as lonely as clouds to see some daffodils this weekend.

Britain’s biggest daffodil festival will be returning to the village of Thriplow this weekend for some gorgeous displays of the yellow flowers.

Thousands of the beautiful spring flowers are expected to be blooming in the village after the 46th festival had to be put back three weeks due to earlier wet weather,

Paul Earnshaw, chairman of Thriplow Daffodil Weekend Committee, said there will be plenty for visitors to enjoy at this year’s festival.

He said: “We are dedicated to providing a friendly, happy, relaxed event - where all generations of people can come together to enjoy the attractions and take in the beautiful surroundings.

“Taste of Thriplow gives everyone a chance to try some great food, enjoy local real ales in the Green Man Beer Tent and listen to some fantastic music from some of the best bands in the region.”

The Daffodil festival, which attracts around 10,000 people, was initially put back three weeks owing to the poor weather during the last two years.

And for Dan Murton, committee member, that decision was the right one.

He said: “We took the decision last summer because in the last two years the weather was so poor. I think last year there was snow two weekends later.

“I have just driven past and they are blooming.”

He added: “But, of course it has become about more than just daffodils.

“This year we have dray rides, vintage vehicles and a miniature steam railway, so there really is something for everyone.”

Thriplow Daffodil Weekend also offers Morris dancing, working sheepdog demonstrations, folk and jazz music, and an array of different food stalls.

A real ale tent will accompany Taste of Thriplow – a tent launched last year which showcases local produce, from locally reared beef to cordials brewed from hedgerow fruits – in an attempt to attract a slightly younger audience.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire have been nominated as the external charity to benefit from the event, which will be held on April 5 and 6, from 11am-5pm.

The majority of the money raised goes to Thriplow charities but 10 per cent of the funds will help support families coping with domestic abuse, post natal depression, isolation, bereavement and disability.


Read more: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Royston/Flowers-blooming-as-Thriplow-Village-gets-ready-for-annual-Daffodil-Festival-20140331162705.htm#ixzz2xZMleFvR