Aude's Orchids: From Mines to Meadows

This past weekend, an orchid field trip was undertaken across several locations in the Aude department, in southern France. The outing commenced with the Mineralogical Group, initially heading towards the mining area of Padern and Montgaillard.

At this first location, the presence of several specimens of Epipactis tremolsii and Anacamptis pyramidalis was recorded, both in suitable flowering condition for observation and documentation.

In the afternoon, the exploration shifted towards the Lagrasse region. En route, several stops were made at strategic points along the road. Here, numerous specimens of Himantoglossum hircinum were observed, along with abundant Serapias vomeracea. Additionally, several Ophrys apifera were identified, though many specimens were already in an advanced stage of their cycle, with only the last flower remaining.

The day's excursion allowed for fruitful prospecting, expanding the record of orchid flora in the visited areas of Aude.