Dactylorhiza maculata: The massive encounter on the way to Pinet Hut

During the ascent to the Montcalm Massif, specifically climbing towards the Pinet Refuge, we found a large number of Dactylorhiza maculata specimens. This orchid concentrated in damp areas near the river, right at the transition where the forest ends. Most of them were already in the final phase of flowering.

Dactylorhiza maculata, commonly known as the Spotted Orchid, is a terrestrial orchid widely distributed across Europe. It gets its common name from the dark, irregular spots present on its lanceolate leaves, which is a very characteristic feature. Its inflorescence is a dense spike of small flowers, typically whitish to pale pink, which feature a wide, slightly lobed labellum with a complex network of dark purple lines and dots. It can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from dry meadows to damp woodlands.