Pyramidal Orchid Sighting in Gironès

During a recent field exploration in the beautiful Gironès region, our primary focus was the search for various Epipactis species. To our pleasant surprise, amidst our targeted quest, we encountered an interesting specimen of the Anacamptis pyramidalis, commonly known as the Pyramidal Orchid.

The observed individual was in excellent condition, showcasing its characteristic dense, multi-flowered terminal spike. As its scientific name suggests, the inflorescence presented a distinct conical shape, a defining feature at this stage of flowering. Its small flowers displayed a vibrant hue, ranging from delicate pale pink to a more intense purple, with the distinctive trilobed labellum and a noticeable long, thread-like spur, up to 20 mm. This orchid thrives in open, sunny areas with a preference for calcareous soils, conditions that seemed to be present in its immediate surroundings. This discovery in the Gironès adds a valuable record to our understanding of its local distribution in Catalonia, especially as it typically flowers between May and July.