SCIENTISTS have discovered that a wild orchid growing on an island known as the cradle of Christianity is the only one of its kind in the world.
The tiny pale green flower, which had been thought to belong to a group of British dune orchids, has been revealed to be different from any other species.
Botanists say this makes the bloom one of the most rare plants in the world.
DNA analysis has revealed that Lindisfarne helleborine, which grows only on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast, is genetically and organically different from any other species.
It was thought to belong to the dune helleborine group, but the new findings mean it can now be classified as a species in its own right.
"It is impossible to tell the difference with the naked eye, but, according to the latest DNA analysis, they are different," said Phil Davey, of English Nature, who is based at the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.
There are about 300 of the orchids on Lindisfarne. It is thought the discovery could lead to an influx of "tickers", the orchid equivalent of birdwatchers or trainspotters.
The flowers bloom in late June so the first walk for enthusiasts has been pencilled in for June 26.
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