Observation of Cephalanthera rubra at Santa Margarida Volcano

During a short ascent to the picturesque Santa Margarida Volcano, we had the opportunity to locate several flowering specimens of Cephalanthera rubra, commonly known as the Red Helleborine. This terrestrial orchid, noted for its elegant pink to dark purple flowers, appeared in good condition.

The specimens were found in an environment consistent with its ecological preferences, likely in shaded or semi-shaded forest areas with calcareous soils. This graceful plant, typically reaching between 20 and 70 cm in height, features lanceolate leaves and a lax inflorescence. Discovering it still in bloom during our visit was a timely reminder of its presence in the region, with its primary flowering period occurring between May and August. Although classified as "Least Concern" at a European level, its populations are localized and in decline, emphasizing the importance of habitat preservation.