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An extremely rare orchid has amazed botanists and environmentalists by taking root in central London for the first time – on the roof of a council rubbish dump.

The green-winged orchid, which has purple flowers despite its name, was discovered on the grass-covered green roof of Islington council’s Household Reuse and Recycling Centre in Holloway.

The rare orchid requires highly specific conditions to grow and has never before been found in central London. It survives in only one or two other places within the M25.

The historic find has sent a buzz through the world of professional botany and excited environmentalists, Islington council said.

Claudia Webbe, the council's executive member for the environment, said: “This is a very exciting find and its importance should not be underestimated.

“It just shows that even in inner-city, urban areas you can create the kind of conditions that encourage and nurture the rarest wildlife there is."

The plant, which gets its name from the green veins on the outer parts of the flower, was verified by orchid expert Mike Waller.

Mr Waller, from London Wildlife Trust conservation ecologist, said he was “amazed” by its sudden appearance.

It is thought the tiny dust-like seeds of the flower, which has seen its native hay meadow habitat decimated over the last 100 years, were blown by the wind onto the green roof, which was built 12 years ago when a dump was moved to make way for Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

Dusty Gedge, president of the European Federation of Green Roof Associations, said: “It’s only a little thing but it’s quite an exciting story.

“What’s really fascinating for me is that you do something 12 years ago through the planning process – which has benefits for the wider area like holding storm water, cooling the building, improving air quality and visual appearance – and suddenly something special turns up."