Frog Orchid in Aude: High-Altitude Meadows and Approaching Bloom

Our recent exploration across various points within the Aude department in France led to a significant observation: the presence of Coeloglossum viride, commonly known as the Frog orchid. We located specimens of this discreet terrestrial orchid in high-altitude meadows, an environment entirely consistent with its known preference for high mountain pastures, often found in calcareous soils.

Most of the individuals encountered were in a pre-flowering state, poised to unveil their small flowers. These typically feature predominant green hues, which can be accompanied by brownish or reddish tinges, allowing the plant to effectively camouflage itself within the surrounding vegetation. The Frog orchid, characterized by its slender, erect stem and lax, cylindrical spike inflorescence, is a species that thrives in environments where grazing helps maintain a short sward, a crucial factor for its survival as a poor competitor. This discovery in Aude highlights the continued distribution of this Holarctic and boreal-montane orchid in this region of the French Pyrenees.