Documenting Anacamptis laxiflora in La Selva

This Sunday, April 26th, our field investigations led us through the Garrotxa and La Selva regions of Catalonia. During this exploration, our primary objective was to document the presence of Anacamptis laxiflora, commonly known as the Loose-flowered Orchid.

We were pleased to find several specimens of Anacamptis laxiflora in excellent condition. These terrestrial orchids, characterized by their uniformly green, mostly cauline leaves and distinctively lax inflorescences, were vibrant and healthy. Their striking dark purple flowers, lighter on the interior, showcased the species' unique labellum — with lateral lobes folded downwards and backwards, and a median lobe noticeably shorter. We observed them thriving in a typically humid depression, consistent with their preference for wet meadows and marshy areas, often on alkaline soils, which makes them a reliable indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems.

The presence of these robust individuals in La Selva aligns with known distribution patterns for the species in Catalonia, particularly within the Girona regions. Documenting these healthy populations is crucial, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by wetland habitats due to human activity. This observation contributes valuable data to our understanding of Anacamptis laxiflora's local presence and underscores the importance of preserving these delicate environments.